Stageloft Repertory Theater’s traditional New Year’s Eve charity show takes on special significance this year, with founder and artistic director Ed Cornely “running the show” for the last time before he and wife Ellen transfer theater ownership at the stroke of midnight.
The Dec. 31 variety show includes two separate performances at 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 apiece, with all proceeds benefiting the food bank run by St. John Paul II Parish in Southbridge.
The family-friendly performances are general admission, with no seating assignments.
Ed and Ellen — who will remain active at Stageloft after Christine and Scott Taylor assume ownership — will be joined by many of your favorite Stageloft performers for a Vaudevillian good time that is sure to include some surprise touches.
Hosted by Mark Bourdeau, the timeless pastiche of Borscht Belt humor, Abbott and Costello routines, individual song-and-dance acts and our famed “Laugh-In”-style Joke Wall once again pays tribute to classic stage entertainment.
Among the Stageloft regulars expected to take part are Ellen Cornely; Anne Adams; Mark Axelson; Ed and Sally-Anne Dunn; Michael Pray; Juli McGourty; Kyla Reslock; Maria and Dakota Schantz; Jim Douglas; Nicole O’Connell, Kayla Granger; Angela and Addie Santamaria; Marie Daley; Juli-Ann Ginsburg; Tom, Darien and Michelle Gaudet; and Sean, Brianna and Natalie Gardell — the latter of whom holds the distinction of being Stageloft’s youngest-ever performer.
Even Stageloft’s photographer and lighting/sound wizard, Richie Dussault, will grace the the stage on this special night.
We hope to see you on New Year’s Eve to offer well wishes to the Cornelys, welcome the Taylors and, most importantly, support a very worthy cause.
