The Impossible Players Open Christmas Belles… are you listening?
The Impossible Players of Pueblo, CO. in grand tradition open the holiday season with Christmas Belles, by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. The production opened Friday, 25th November, with an audience eager to begin the holiday season. The Impossible Players, or “Imps” as they are known locally, who claim the title of the oldest community theater troupe this side of the Mississippi, opened their holiday season with this new production – the second in a trilogy written by the same team – to an enthused audience.
The Impossible Playhouse, where the production is being staged, was lavishly decorated with Christmas themed elements from the main lobby all the way up to the stage. Candles, trees, twinkle lights, garlands, and wrapping paper line the walls of the playhouse to generate an authentic Christmas feeling for all visitors who are encouraged to participate in the show by it’s conclusion. It’s clear that first-time director Billy Herrington was determined to go all-in with his directorial debut.
“Growing up in the south, Christmas isn’t just another holiday, it’s a way of life.” Mr. Herrington declares.
“Covid messed up too many things,” comments one member of the audience. “Sometimes it feels like we’re still recovering from that. But these guys did their best to keep going even when everything else closed down and everyone was just in a (expletive omitted) mood about everything. These guys kept going and damned if I didn’t need the laughs. It’s also good to feel that holiday spirit with everything going on in the world.”
By the performance's conclusion, another attendee commented, "That Santa was an ornery old cuss. I loved it!"
The story of Belles centers on the small fictional town of Fayro, Texas. Wherein the famous Futrelle Sisters are caught up hopelessly in their own lives while trying to bring the community together for a Christmas pageant with a new spin that includes everything from camel costumes to the arrival of Elvis. At the center of the chaos is Honey Ray Futrelle, played by long time Impy Marlo Angel-Hartman, who is tasked with putting together and directing the Christmas pageant replacing the previous director Geneva, played by Donna Hickman. Geneva, in grand Texas fashion, refuses to give up the position without a fight and does what she can to manage different facets of the production, much to the dismay of Honey Ray.
In traditional family togetherness, Honey Ray has her two sisters to lean on for support. Twink, played by Gina Mann and Frankie, played by Melissa Santistevan. Twink’s help is limited by the fact that she’s currently a ward of the state on a work release program and shadowed by a sheriff’s deputy, played by Dave Conley. And the final sister, Frankie, is heavy with unborn twins that are long overdue and she’s hoping that constant activity will “give these two freeloaders some incentive”. Together, the sisters band together to keep the production lively and cheery through the midst of cast members who get sick, reneging celebrities, confused medications with delirious effects, last minute cast replacements, and shocking family revelations.
The ensemble of the cast include a combination of newcomers and veterans, Maranda Sandoval, William Hambric, Amber Shipley, Johnny Lucero, Jennifer Lunde-Elder, and Rich Keilholtz. The show opened to laughter, gags, and comedic facial expressions that the Impys are famous for and deliver it, they do!
The performances continue tonight, 26th November, as well as 2nd, 3rd, and 4th December – which is the matinee at 2 PM. As well as 9th and 10th December. House opens at 7 PM, curtain goes up at 7:30 PM. The playhouse is located at 1201 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO. 81003. Reservations can be made by calling (719) 542-6969 or you can follow the Impossible Players on Instagram and Facebook.
OH MY GOSH YOU GUYS!!!! THIS IS OUR SHOOOOWWWWWW!!!!!!
