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'Frosty Follies' Warms Holiday Audiences

By CHERYL BENTLEY

The Suncoast News

Published: December 20, 2008

HUDSON - If Santa retires, how do you hire a new one?

That's the conundrum in "The Frosty Follies," a holiday musical now playing at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, in Hudson.

The incumbent Santa Claus has been on duty for 200 years, and it is time to give the old gentlemen a rest. But how can a cynical world produce a giving, eternally joyful Santa similar to the one who is retiring? "That's harder than it would have been 200 years ago," notes Matthew McGee, writer and director of the show.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus have only 48 hours to find a replacement and save Christmas. Dancing Red Hat Society ladies, a U.S. senator and a chorus line of magical elves help them.

The family-friendly production is modeled after the popular Christmas television shows of the 1950s and '60s. It features traditional and original holiday music and high-energy dance numbers.

"It has everything," McGee said.

McGee is a Show Palace favorite as both director and actor.

He most recently acted in the Show Palace's production of "Sugar Babies" and is now appearing in American Stage Theatre Company's "A Tuna Christmas," in St. Petersburg.
Veteran actors Phillip Wayne Butts and Susan Haldeman star as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

'THE FROSTY FOLLIES'

WHAT: The Show Palace Dinner Theatre production of "The Frosty Follies"

WHEN: The shown runs through Christmas Day. Shows are 8 p.m. today and 3 p.m. Sunday. The Christmas Day show will be performed at 3 p.m.

COST: Tickets are $34.95 for show only, $46 for dinner and show. Prices do not include tax.

WHERE: The Show Palace Dinner Theatre is at 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson.

RESERVATIONS: Call (727) 863-7949.

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