Tickets on sale here:  Take Me To Tickets

Sam Sherwood*, Margaret Dudasik*, and Morgan Morse*, Elizabeth Nestlerode*, Macy Robinson*, and Larry Tobias*.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and we’re bringing the celebration home to Ivoryton with a brand-new holiday tradition! Inspired by classic radio shows and old-time musical revues, The Playhouse Holiday Jamboree is a cozy, spirited evening of songs, stories, laughter, and joy.

Six multi-talented performer-musicians gather around the mic to share a holiday broadcast filled with festive tunes and heartwarming tales. From foot-stomping fiddle breaks to rich vocal harmonies, their music brings fresh life to beloved favorites like O Holy Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and many more!  And between the songs, you’ll hear folk tales, traditions, recipes, family stories, and more—some funny, some tender, all steeped in the magic of the season.

Whether you’re here with family, friends, or flying solo, we invite you to settle in, sing along, and let your heart be light. The holidays are better when shared—and we’re so glad you’re spending yours with us.

Created by Katie Barton and Ben Hope.

Tickets are $60 for adults; $55 for seniors; $25 for students of all ages (plus fee) and are available by calling the Playhouse box office at 860.767.7318 or purchase online.

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DID YOU KNOW?  Ivoryton Playhouse offers discounted tickets on Thursday nights!  On Thursday nights at 6:00pm, tickets for that night’s 7:30pm performance can be purchased for only $30.  Limit four tickets per person.  Tickets available at the box office only, for that performance only.  Subject to availability. It is a mission of Ivoryton Playhouse to bring affordable, professional, high quality theatre experiences to our community.

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CAST

Margaret Dudasik*  (Margaret) is delighted to be back at her theatrical second home, seen here previously in Escape to Margaritaville, Million Dollar Quartet Christmas, and Once. Nat’l tour: Roundabout Theatre Company’s Cabaret. Off B’way: A Child’s Christmas in Wales (Irish Rep). Select regional: Bright Star (Arrow Rock Lyceum), Hank Williams: Lost Highway (Florida Rep), Almost Heaven (Riverside Theatre), Smoke on the Mountain (Flat Rock Playhouse), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (The MUNY), Ring of Fire (German premiere, Deutsches Theater München). Margaret is an accomplished Irish fiddle and tin whistle player, having represented the US at the Fleadh Cheoil World Championships seven times. Proud Pace University MT. SOCIALS:  MargaretDudasik.com

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Morgan Morse* (Morgan) is an actor, musician and writer originally from Connecticut, excited to be back at Ivoryton! 10 years ago this year, he did his first ever professional show here (Stand By Your Man), and met some wonderful people who then kept employing him. So genuinely: thank you for my career. Selected credits: Once (Andrej) at the Cape Playhouse/Ivoryton Playhouse/Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Hester Street (Joe Peltner) at Theater J, Bright Star (Billy Cane) at Arrow Rock Lyceum, Southern Comfort (Storyteller) at the Public Theater in NYC, and Ring of Fire everywhere from Houston, TX to Vienna, Austria. The Porch on Windy Hill, a new play with music that he co-wrote, premiered here at Ivoryton and had its fifth regional production this past fall at People’s Light in PA. In addition to theatre, he also writes original music and makes comedy videos online (more info at morganmorse.com).

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Elizabeth Nestlerode* (Elizabeth) is an actor, musician, and teaching artist based in NYC. Off-Broadway/New York: The Other Josh Cohen (Diane Cohen), Gypsy (Louise). Regional: Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Capital Repertory Theatre, Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show (Ghost of Christmas Present & others) at the Old Globe, 5 productions of Once (Girl) including Casa Manaña, Cape Playhouse, and Actors’ Playhouse; 3 productions of Ben Hope and Katie Barton’s version of Ring of Fire (June Carter Cash) at Portland Stage, Florida Studio Theatre, and Flat Rock Playhouse; Violet (Violet), …Spelling Bee (Olive), Buddy Holly (Vi – director Hunter Foster) 54 Forever (director Tommy Tune), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), It’s A Wonderful Life (Evelyn / Mary Bailey). TV: The Late Show with David Letterman. AEA Member. She teaches for a number of organizations including Disney Theatrical Group and The Second City among others.  SOCIALS:  @elizabethnestlerode www.elizabethnestlerode.com

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Macy Robinson* (Macy) is a NYC-based actor/singer and a Mississippi girl at heart. She is an alum of The University of Montevallo. She has been seen in some professional productions, like South Pacific(Nellie Forbush). She can also often be found performing in cabaret shows in Manhattan, she is a regular performer in the Stonewall Allstars monthly cabaret. She is so grateful to be spending the holiday season making music at Ivoryton. She thanks her family, friends, and fiancé, Kelly, for their love and support while she has been in CT!   SOCIALS:  @macy_like.the_store   www.macyrobinson.com

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Sam Sherwood* is happy to return to Ivoryton for his 8th show on the Ivoryton Playhouse stage. Previously: Escape to Margaritaville; Million Dollar Quartet Christmas; Ring of Fire; Godspell; Once; The Road: My Life With John Denver; Stand By Your Man. Off Broadway: Woody Sez; Fancy: A Country Musical. Regional: When Elvis Met The Beatles (World premiere at Ogunquit Playhouse); Million Dollar Quartet (Broadway Sacramento); Hank Williams: Lost Highway; Lucky Stiff (Florida Rep); Jesus  Christ  Superstar  (Coachella  Valley  Rep);  Once (Capital Rep);  Bright Star  (Arrow Rock Lyceum);  Woody Sez (TheaterWorks Hartford); Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America (Riverside Theatre). TV: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon Studios). SOCIALS:  @sherwoodsounds

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Larry Tobias* (Larry) is delighted to be making his Ivoryton debut with the Playhouse Holiday Jamboree ! Larry’s long and varied career includes Off-Broadway, Regional Theater, TV and Film,multiple National Tours, and performing with musical acts as varied as Paul Anka and Hubert Sumlin (guitarist for Howlin’ Wolf). For 10 years, Larry was one of the resident directors at the Mountain Playhouse in Pennsylvania, one of the oldest professional summer stock theaters in the country. Larry is currently the front man and lead singer for The Grand Tour, a Celebration of the Music of George Jones, which tours the US and Canada. He lives with his beautiful and talented wife, their 7 year-old daughter, 1 dog, 3 cats, 3 fish, and an undetermined number of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches ( it’s a long story), 12 miles west of NYC, in the wilds of northern NJ.  SOCIALS:  www.larrytobiasactor.com   www.thegrandtourconcert.com

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MUSICIANS

Kim Bonsanti (Trumpet)

Celeste Cumming (Cello)

Mark Gehret (Bass)

Patrick Lombardo (Reeds)

Dakota Singerline (Drums)

Gavin Tarling (Reeds)

Steven Mustakos (3rd Reeds)

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CREATIVE TEAM

Created by Katie Barton and Ben Hope

Co- Directors:  Katie Barton and Ben Hope

Music Director:  Ben Hope

Orchestrator / Music Supervisor:  Morgan Morse

Choreographer:  Katie Barton

Stage Manager:  James Joseph Clark*

Assistant Stage Manager:  Holly Price

Scenic Design:  Glenn Bassett

Lighting Design:  Jessica Drayton

Sound Design:  Jonathan White

Costume Design:  Elizabeth A. Saylor

Props Designer:  Kat Schorn

* member of Actors Equity

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Check back here for photos and video clips!

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Sam Sherwood*, Margaret Dudasik*, and Morgan Morse*, Elizabeth Nestlerode*, Macy Robinson*, and Larry Tobias*.

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Ivoryton Playhouse Celebrates the Holidays with
Playhouse Holiday Jamboree
November 20 – December 21, 2025

The holidays are upon us and Ivoryton Playhouse is celebrating with a down-home, locally-grown production – Playhouse Holiday Jamboree.

Inspired by classic radio shows and old time musical revues, Jamboree is a cozy evening of songs, stories, laughter, and joy.

This holiday musical is filled with festive tunes and heartwarming tales delivered by multi-talented actor musicians. From foot-stomping fiddle breaks to gorgeous vocal harmonies, these incredible performers bring fresh life to beloved old favorites like O Holy Night, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and many more as well as a few beautiful contemporary pieces. And between the songs, you’ll hear folk tales, traditions, recipes, family stories, and more – some funny, some tender, all steeped in the magic of the season.

Welcome back to Sam Sherwood*, Margaret Dudasik* (Escape to Margaritaville) and Morgan Morse* (Lost Highway), and welcome to Ivoryton Elizabeth Nestlerode*, Macy Robinson*, and Larry Tobias*.

This production was created by Ivoryton Playhouse Executive Producer, Ben Hope and Katie Barton, our Development Associate. This talented husband and wife team are also co-directing. Musical directed by Hope, the set design is by Glenn Bassett; costumes by Elizabeth Saylor; lighting and projections by Jessica Drayton; sound design by Jonathan White and props by Kat Schorn.  The stage manager is Jim Clark*.

Now closing its remarkable 95th season, Ivoryton Playhouse continues its legacy of bringing the best professional performers and productions to the heart of the Connecticut shoreline. Playhouse Holiday Jamboree celebrates that legacy with an abundance of joy and gratitude for our community and our beautiful village which will be decorated for the holidays with thousands of colored lights. It’s spectacular!

Whether you come with family or friends or flying solo, we invite you to settle in, sing along and let your heart be light! The holidays are better when shared and we’d be thrilled to share them with you.

SHOW TIMES:

• Wednesdays at 2 pm (beginning the 2nd week of the show)
• Thursdays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
• Fridays at 7:30 pm
• Saturdays at 2 pm (beginning the 2nd week of the show) and 7:30 pm
• Sundays at 2 pm

Tickets are available at ivorytonplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at (860) 767-7318

There will be no performances on Wednesday, November 26, Thursday 27 or Friday, 28.

Also Saturday, December 6 as Ivoryton celebrates the lighting of the Christmas Tree with Ivoryton Illuminations

About Ivoryton Playhouse: Ivoryton Playhouse is a renowned small professional theater on the Shoreline. It is known for its exceptional productions and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.

For more information, interviews, and press inquiries, please contact:
Ben Hope, Executive Producer – ben@ivorytonplayhouse.org

For press tickets, please contact:  Susan McCann – susanmc@ivorytonplayhouse.org

Looking for something to do? Ivoryton Playhouse has been voted best place to see live theatre by readers of The Shoreline Times for three years in a row. Come to Essex and visit our historic, professional theatre – a Connecticut treasure!