Thanksgiving weekend will offer area musical theatre fans a unique opportunity to enjoy an original holiday musical theatre performance. Familiar names in the Vero Beach theatre and music communities will come together on stage at First Presbyterian Church to present Dancing on the Dingle, an Irish Christmas Tale, written by Larry Strass, a long-time esteemed member of the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, and composed by Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach.
The “dingle” in the title of this delightful musical refers to the Dingle Peninsula of Ireland which inspired Strauss’ original story idea and the lyrics and music that followed.
“In the early days of the pandemic in 2020, my wife, Carole, suggested that someday, when it was safe to travel, we should go back to Ireland. That week, while gazing at an Irish map, my eyes rested on a part of Ireland we had never seen, County Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. The lyrical sounding names of towns and villages like Ballybunion, Killarney and Tralee were like a lightning bolt of inspiration to finish a song I had started decades earlier.” Strauss said. “By 2023, I had written an original story along with the lyrics and melodies for 18 songs. All that was needed was a music composer / collaborator with the ability to take the musical score to a higher level.”
He found that collaboration in the musical genius of Dr. Jacob Craig, who has a doctorate from Oxford, a solid understanding of Celtic culture, and is a brilliant concert pianist and competitive bagpipe player. The partnership came about when the two men joined a mutual friend for a round of golf according to Craig.
“Over a few beers afterwards Larry brought out the script for Dancing on the Dingle and explained what he had done and intended to do with it. I very much liked both his ideas, and the excellence by which he wrote so many of the lyrics. I agreed to help him with the music, and over the next 6 months or so we met at least once a week and finished writing the songs, many of which he had already composed.”
The musical story chronicles the discoveries of North Dakota anthropologist Professor Winslow Welk throughout his adventures on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, Reykjavik Iceland, and the North Pole. Many of the character names reflect the lyrical vibe Strauss refers to above. Theatre whiz Mark Wygonik will direct the cast of nine which include more familiar names including other “Guilders” like Jeffrey Barkwell, Paula Bushell, Tara Giovannone, Phil Markley, Dee Rose, Robin Volsky, and Carolyn and John Toohey.
The production is stage managed and produced by Larry Strauss’ wife Carole, who has managed a number of Vero Beach Theatre Guild productions and served their board and multiple capacities for many years.
For a family (and budget) friendly way to get into the holiday spirit over Thanksgiving weekend, don’t miss this original and entertaining musical! There will be two performances; Saturday, November 30, 2024 and Sunday December 1, 2024, both at 2:00 PM and tickets are only $20 for adults and $10 for kids and students.
To purchase tickets visit www.dancing-dingle.com