'Yuletide XIII' poised for another sold-out run
This Week in the Flahtead
<p><strong>ERIC MICHAEL </strong><strong>KROP</strong> sings at "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>N'KENGE</strong> belts out a tune at "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>REBECCA SPEAR</strong> sings at "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>BETSI MORRISON</strong> singing at "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>SUSAN O'DEA</strong> performs at "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>DAVID ACKROYD</strong>, Betsi Morrison and Luke Walrath sing at the opening of "Yuletide XII." (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>ERIC MICHAEL KROP</strong> sings at "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>SUSAN O'DEA</strong> and Eric Michael Krop perform at "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>LUKE WALRATH</strong> sings in "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
<p><strong>ERIC MICHAEL KROP</strong> singing in "Yuletide XII" in 2015. (Brenda Ahearn/This Week in the Flathead)</p>
The 12-year sell-out streak isn’t about to come to an end.
Since debuting in 2004 — then as a fundraiser for the fledgling summer-only theater group — every performance of the Alpine Theatre Project’s “Yuletide” has played to a packed house, including the last four years when the show expanded from a single night to two shows.
It’s going to be sold out again this year, with only a smattering of single tickets remaining as of Wednesday for shows at the 454-seat Whitefish Performing Arts Center on Monday and Tuesday, both at 7 p.m.
Celebrating it’s 13th iteration, “Yuletide” is entering its teenage years but showing no signs of slowing down.
LUKE WALRATH, one of three co-founders of the group, calls the show “a last hurrah” of the theater group’s ambitious year-long schedule.
“Yuletide,” with a cast that includes performers with Broadway credits, is typically packed with music and this year is no different, although the show’s director, Betsi Morrison, has added some unique flavor to the set list.
“We’re trying to find non-traditional arrangements of (holiday) classics,” Walrath said. “It’s anywhere from country and bluegrass to gospel, to pop; we’ve got some folk-rock, some world beat, Celtic stuff.”
The eclectic arrangements play to the distinct talents of a cast that comes from coast-to-coast; Los Angeles to New York City to British Columbia. The disparate mix of singers only start rehearsing together about 10 days before the show, and put on the finishing touches during intensive, collaborative get-togethers in the days leading up to opening night.
“Betsi (Morrison) and Luke (Walrath) are really good at finding talent with a wide range of abilities,” Susan O’Dea, a singer from New York making her fourth appearance in “Yuletide,” said.
“They really trust the artists that they invite and bring up here. It’s a really great feeling to have in the room, no matter what the leadership is your opinions are heard and you can make (the songs) your own and be creative.”
Mike Eldred, who has made guest appearances in past “Yuletide” shows but will be performing as a full member of the cast for the first time this year, was not surprised by the artists’ ability to get in sync so quickly.
“It’s always amazing how it’s put together and how it ends up being magical and incredible,” he said.
“ATP always rises to the challenge. I’ve been through experiences with them and always wonder ‘how is this going to work?’ I always like to joke about Betsi’s fairy dust. It’s magical.”
THE SHOW isn’t all music, either. In between the songs, when the 15 performers aren’t joining the band with odd instruments that range from guitar and banjo to spoons and the washboard, the group takes time to have a little fun with the world, the town and, most of all, themselves.
“It’s a perfect time for us to poke fun at ourselves and some of the fumbles we’ve made throughout the year,” Walrath said. “I think it’s always important to laugh at yourself.”
Walrath, Morrison and David Ackroyd, the co-founders of the group, created the show and credit its unique feel to their own distinct personas.
“I think it’s more of a reflection of the personalities we have,” Walrath said.
“There really wasn’t anything in the valley like this. Nothing like a variety show that people could attend every year and look forward to every year.”
With another sell-out a near-certainty, it’s clear audiences have the dates for “Yuletide” circled on their calendars well in advance, and their devotion does not go unnoticed by the show’s performers.
“They are incredibly appreciative audiences which is why it’s such a joy to keep coming out here,” O’Dea said.
“It’s an incredible show and it’s something for anybody, honestly and truly.”
THE ALPINE Theatre Project puts on shows year-round at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. For more information on the group, visit www.atpwhitefish.org.
Tickets for “Yuletide XIII,” while available, range from $45 to $57 per ticket.