Morris Dance in progress Photo by Ashley Claire Simpson
The Washington Revels, with a cast of more than 100 performers, all from the Washington D.C. area, has been performing large-scale theater with traditional music and dance since 1983. This year’s chorus members include eight Alexandria residents. The actors, singers, musicians and dancers range from 8-year-old children to 80-year-old adults.
The ensemble started as a group that exclusively produced Christmas plays; however, the Revels have since expanded to put on more than 50 events throughout the year. Still, the group often considers the “Christmas Revels” productions to be the heart of its theater company. This year’s 34th annual Christmas show, “A Nordic Celebration of the Winter Solstice in Music, Dance and Drama,” will have eight performances on the weekends between Dec. 10-18 at Lisner Auditorium in Washington D.C.
“‘Christmas Revels’ is dedicated to keeping cultural and seasonal traditions alive and part of the fabric of everyday life,” said Jo Rasi, marketing and programs director for Washington Revels. “One of the distinguishing factors of Revels is that the audiences get to sing along, dance in the aisles, and become a part of the celebration. Performers and audiences, young and old, all join together to create a community that shares together in a unique celebration.”
In its hundreds of shows throughout the years, the Washington Revels perform annually to more than 25,000 people and have never put on a repeat show, so audience members can always expect different material.
Every year, the “Christmas Revels” show features a different culture, and exhibits how its people honor the winter holiday season. This year, the show is built around the Finnish epic “Kalevala” tale and the people of the countries who have historically found significance in the folklore.
“The set is built on the concept of the Northern Lights, the costumes represented the traditional clothing styles of five different countries,” Rasi said.
Amateurs and professionals alike — children, teens and adults — are welcome to audition for the chorus of “Christmas Revels” productions. Auditions start as early as spring, and while there have been repeat performers over the years, everyone who tries out is guaranteed an equal chance.
Paula Thomas of Alexandria is one of this year’s chorus members who says the 2016 Christmas show is her first with the Revels. She was inspired to try out for the show after years of enjoying Revels performances as an interactive audience member.
“I have attended ’Christmas Revels’ and ’Spring Revels’ since 2009,” Thomas said. “The theme and content of this year's production inspired me to audition. I lived in Denmark as an exchange student from 1988 to 1989.”
In addition to celebrating a culture that hits home for her, Thomas has another reason that being a part of this year’s Christmas Revels has been so special: From the auditions in late spring through the time-intensive regular rehearsals that started in September, her 10-year-old daughter is a part of the Children’s Chorus.
“This has been a lovely and heartwarming experience,” Thomas said. “I wanted to share something of my Scandinavian heritage with my daughter. I am grateful to Revels for the opportunity to do just that.”
She added that her theatrical resume now has a large gap between this year’s “Christmas Revels” chorus role and her last performance as a high school student. Her daughter, on the other hand, is active within the theater department of Washington Waldorf School in Maryland.
Both Thomas and Rasi said that seeing this year’s “Christmas Revels” show should be on everyone’s holiday to-do list.
“This is a beautiful show for children,” Thomas said. “Christmas traditions from these countries are festive, full of good-humor and ‘star’ the innocence and liveliness of children.”
For information on the Revels, and how to purchase tickets, visit revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels.