Holly Jolly Follies performers in 2021. Kyle Clayton photo.

After concerns that it wouldn’t run, the Holly Jolly Follies holiday variety show is a go for this year.

Roger Gentry, a board member of the Lynn Canal Community Players, said the question of whether or not to hold the show came up at a recent board meeting.

“It seemed like a sad Christmas without the community coming together for something like this,” said Gentry, “I just said ‘I can take charge of it.'”

The only issue is Gentry isn’t in Haines. He’s stuck in Arizona. Luckily, a crew of dedicated volunteers has stepped in to produce and direct the show, which is still in its formative stages as the group solicits and confirms acts.

A few things are for sure: there will be elves, music and Mrs. Claus. There are rumors a group of feral musical animals might be performing, as well as dance groups, a comedy skit involving the local newspaper, and a short play. Organizers say to expect a wide swath of the community to be represented, and that attendees should be ready for audience participation.

“We want to put together a show that is cohesive, moves along quickly, I do not want to see big gaps as we try to reset scenes for different acts. We want the show to flow smoothly,” said Gentry.

Dan Mahoney, an experienced player with LCCC, will direct the show, which will mostly consist of individual or group performances.

“I’ll host it, try to keep it fun and breezy and holiday-ey,” he said.

DeLise Keim is producing the show. She hasn’t been able to attend in previous years, and said she’s ready for a crash course in how the lighting, sound and other aspects of production will work. Over the past week, she’s been hard at work calling community members to recruit performers.

“I really want it to be representative of the entire community. I’d love to get some kids, some high school students, some elderly. I want it to be a wide variety of acts from around the community,” she said.

Interested performers can call Keim at 907-314-2428. Organizers are shooting to have a line up finalized by Dec. 5.

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