ITAC is All Wrapped Up

ITAC - The Iowa Theatre Artists Company opens their first holiday production in their new Amana home (the former Barn Restaurant) on Thursday, November 19. This original play with music written by Tom Johnson and the ITAC Ensemble will have a three week run over a four week period, with a week off during the Thanksgiving holidays. A special Saturday matinee on December 5 has been scheduled at 1:30 pm in addition to the five regular performances that week to coincide with the Prelude festivities in Amana.

All Wrapped Up For Christmas features ten Iowa Theatre Artists who play musical instruments which include banjo, guitar, violin, stand up bass, piano, harmonica, ukelele, and even an array of “bells and whistles.” This ensemble of actors also sings and tells stories – both new and traditional. The age range of the artists on stage is from 11 to 75 years of age and will introduce to ITAC audiences the Ockenfels family, three very talented young musicians/singers from Wellman who have entertained throughout Iowa, including being named a Semi Finalist at the 2009 Iowa State Fair Bill Riley Talent Search. Meg Merckens, ITAC co-producer stated, “We are excited to offer our very first family show that we think will be a hit with all ages. It’s a show “about” family for the entire family. So bring the kids, bring the grandparents, and everyone in-between!”

Rounding out the cast are Karl Bodenbender (East Amana), Stephani Daft (Iowa City) Meg Merckens (South Amana), Marshall Nielsen (Cedar Falls), Paul Roberts (Sharon Center), Ryan Westwood (Davenport), and Mark Wilson (Hills). Thomas P. Johnson is the director with set design by Paula Grady and Marshall Nielsen based on a visual concept by Johnson.

All Wrapped Up For Christmas runs November 19 -22 and December 3 – 13. ITAC offers a holiday special ticket price of $20 for Adults and $10 for Students. As an opening weekend "pre-Thanksgiving special," children age 6 – 15 are half price, or $5. The $5 Ticket Price is good only for performances from November 19 – 22. “Though fast-paced, funny with lots of music and good stories, we recommend this show for children 6 years of age and older,” explained Tom Johnson, Director of the show and ITAC co-producer. Afternoon performances are Thursday and Sunday at 1:30 PM with a “Talkback” session after each matinee performance. Evening Performances are Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 PM.

Ticket information and reservations are available through the ITAC Box Office: 319-622-3222. Information is also listed on the theatre's website.