Claudettes' end season with exciting show

IRONWOOD - After three performances in four days, "A Claudette Christmas Card" has wrapped for the holiday season.

Hundreds of people attended the shows, watching performers sing, dance and laugh on the stage.

On Sunday, however, the audience witnessed a performer injured after falling off the stage. A Von Drake dancer fell into the orchestra pit during the group's performance.

The show took a brief intermission and theater volunteer Mark Silver announced to the audience to please remain in their seats, while she was carted away by Beacon Ambulance.

"Thank you for your patience and I know you will keep her in your thoughts and prayers," emcee Mark Silver said.

After the 10-minute intermission, the show resumed.

Before the show started, Bruce Greenhill, the managing director of HIT, said the show was a collaborative effort between HIT, Theatre North and the Claudettes.

"It has been terrific," he said. "There have been so many volunteers from these organizations that support presenting performances, enjoying performances or both."

This year marked the seventh year the Claudettes have hosted a Christmas show, and according to Claudette Cindy Franck, the holiday spirit starts early.

"I begin listening to Christmas music in April, and we have been rehearsing since June," Franck said. "It's a long process, but I have been so pleased with the young vocalists performing. They have been getting some really great experience out there."

Performers ranged in age, including small children dancing as ballerinas or elves.

"This is just the happiest cast and crew," Franck said. "They all applaud each other, and the kids, for some being only 5 years old, are incredibly enthusiastic, which is great to see."

This year's show featured many special guests including Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman and Pinocchio, and performers singing and dancing to classic and more modern Christmas tunes.

A portion of the proceeds from the shows are being donated to the Ironwood Kiwanis Club for the club's Needy Children Trust Fund and Santa's Secret Headquarters, both benefiting local children.

"The reason we started doing this show was to give a gift to the community," Franck said. "We enjoy performing, and I think we enjoy rehearsing more, but this show turned out exactly how we wanted it to be. We are helping the arts, both theater groups and a local organization. It's been a lot of fun."

For more information, call the Historic Ironwood Theatre at 906-932-0618 or Theatre North at 906-932-4371.