STEUBENVILLE -- "Wooden Heart Follies," presented by the Steubenville Nutcracker Village, opens at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Masonic Temple, 227 N. Fourth St., and runs the following three Sundays -- Dec. 4, 11, and 18 -- at the same time and place.
The show is sponsored by Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Center for Music and Art.
The musical is written and directed by and features Steubenville residents John and Von M. Holmes. It takes the familiar holiday music of Tchaikovsky and adds comic lyrics to tell the story of nine of the village's nutcrackers brought to life.
The couple said they began writing the show this past spring and are thrilled to see it realized on stage.
"We and the cast are having a lot of fun rehearsing the show and are very excited about bringing that fun to our audiences," Von Holmes said.
Therese Nelson, the designer and artist behind the 100-plus nutcrackers that are part of the village at Historic Fort Steuben, makes a cameo appearance in the production as herself.
"It was Therese's inspiration and insight into the characters that was the starting point of our script," said John Holmes. "She trusted us with her 'babies,' and we felt an obligation to earn that trust. And that really guided us through the process."
"We are very blessed to have Susanne Manocchia and Emily Gray running the music end," Von said. "Susanne is our vocal director, and a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, and her talent and passion show themselves at rehearsal every night. She goes above and beyond."
Because Tchaikovsky's music was not written for the human voice, Manocchia had to write arrangements that adjusted the melody to 10 singers, added Von Holmes.
All of this adds another layer of complication to the accompaniment, which has to sound like the Nutcracker songs everyone has heard-- "The Nutcracker March," "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies," "Dance of the Reed Flutes," "Waltz of the Flowers"--and yet cue each singer in his or her own range, according to the couple.
"Our accompanist, Emily Gray, is amazing." John Holmes said. "She's such an asset to our production."
Tickets are $7 for adults; $4 for students; and children under age 6 are admitted free. Advance sale tickets are available at the Fort Steuben Visitors Center or at http://woodenheartfollies.brownpapertickets.com.
The Advent Market and the Nutcracker Village, presented by Trinity Health System, at Historic Fort Steuben features more than 100 unique nutcrackers now through Jan. 8. At least 12 artisans and four food vendors will participate in the Advent Market, running on the four weekends after Thanksgiving. Hay rides, the Holly Trolley, the Christmas Wonderland in the Visitors Center and live entertainment will add to the festivities.
A 30-foot Christmas tree was installed in the fort's fountain.
Donations from businesses and individuals helped light the tree and accompanying wreaths and decorations.
Also, this year's Eastern Gateway Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade theme is Nutcracker Magic and will be held at noon on Dec. 10.