courtesy photo
Lost Nation Theater’s “Two For Christmas” by David Budbill will be presented December 13 and 14, and include the woodcutters from the 2012 production.
MONTPELIER – Lost Nation Theater, central Vermont’s resident professional theater, will present David Budbill’s “Two for Christmas,” a staged reading, on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.
“Two for Christmas” is two shows in one. Travel back in time to 1479 England and end up in Budbill’s mythical Judevine with Antoine, Doug, Arnie, and Tommy.
Act One features “The Second Shepherds Play,” Budbill’s faithful translation of a 15th century miracle play. Miracle plays were known for mixing humor and music with reverence. Told in verse, it’s the story of a poor thief in 1479 England who steals a lamb from three shepherds on Christmas Eve, and brings it home to his cantankerous wife. About to be confronted, the thief’s wife jumps into bed with the lamb and pretends the lamb’s her newborn baby. Returning to their flock, the shepherds are visited by an angel.
Act Two is “The Pulp Cutters’ Nativity,” the same story, but 500 years later in Budbill’s famed Judevine. The shepherds are now loggers, a chainsaw replaces the lamb, and the angel is a waitress at the local diner. The two one-act plays (using the same cast members) resonate together, illuminating themes of humanity, justice, and how the hilarious can suddenly become holy.
Two For Christmas was originally written and performed in 1996. Lost Nation toured a revival in 2012. This special staged reading presentation features many of the same actors including two actors from the original 1996 production!
Returning to the show are Ben Ash (Antoine), Andrew Butterfield (Tommy), Robert Nuner (Arnie) and Mark S. Roberts (Doug). Joining them are Abby Paige (Gil), Katie Gilmartin (Waitress/Angel). Fiddler Susan Reid is the musical director. LNT’s founding artistic director Kim Bent takes over the role of director.
The show is live in person and live-streamed (on December 13), and via digital recording (through December 31.) Masks are preferred and strongly recommended for in person attendance, but not required. The Flood made LNT/City Hall’s elevator inoperable, requiring climbing stairs to attend in person. The play will be available digitally to make the show accessible to those unable to physically join us. We appreciate your understanding during this emergency situation. Tickets are available on-line; by phone (Tuesday through Friday, 11a.m. to 3 p.m.) or in person at the door as available. lostnationtheater.org, phone (802) 229-0492,
email [email protected]
