It’s kind of a sap-py story.
A grove of evergreen trees will sashay onto the stage during the premiere of “The Most Miserable Christmas Tree,” opening Dec. 9 at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater. The creators of the whimsical musical, produced by the Narrows Community Theater group, say that the feel-good story of an abandoned Christmas tree who finds a new reason to shine would warm even Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart.
“It’s a wacky look at Christmas through the eyes of a Christmas tree with a lot of heart,” said Debra Barsha, who co-wrote the musical with Tim Sulka. “When Tim first told me about his idea I said, ‘Oh my god, this is so funny,’ but it’s also great because it touches on themes of outliving your usefulness, getting a second chance, and what Christmas is really about. It has all the earmarks of a holiday musical.”
The show opens on main character “Douglas Fir,” a Christmas tree in his prime who is all spruced up for the holidays. But Douglas is soon stripped of his ornaments and tossed into the trash. Determined to become a decorated Christmas tree once more, he journeys to Mistletoe Mountain in search of Miss Balsam’s Finishing School for Christmas Trees — leading to a conclusion that will have the audience on pines and needles!
The collaboration between Barsha, and Sulka was born out of their sorrow for the millions of Christmas trees discarded after the holiday. Together, they imagined what the trees might do if they had a second chance in life — a sentiment that is the heart of the story, said Sulka.
“Our show is about second chances,” he said. “About finding a purpose when the world tells you you’re done.”
The music in the show is “Elton John meets the Sherman Brothers,” said Barsha, referencing songwriters who have contributed to music for Disney films.
The musical numbers in the colorful Christmas show will feature tap-dancing trees, as well as enormous ornaments that roll across the stage. And all of the costumes, props, and sets were created especially for this production, which makes for a more magical experience, said the president of the community theater group.
“Everything from this particular production is made from scratch,” said Denise Regan. “It’s just like baking a cake, and hopefully the end product will be just as delicious as a store-brought one.”
“The Most Miserable Christmas Tree” at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater [403 General Lee Dr., enter at Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 482–3173, www.narro
