Have you ever wondered how Santa got his start and became the jolly old elf we know and love? You’ll learn that and more at Virginia Rep’s holiday offering, The Santa Clues, at Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education from December 8 through 31.
This fun, mystery-of-sorts show was originally presented at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and directed by Todd D. Norris, who now serves as artistic director of education for Virginia Rep and is also directing the show.
“The museum created it,” says Norris. “It was the first show after the museum reopened from the pandemic.”
The fast-paced, approximately one-hour show explores the origin of Santa Claus, which is being investigated by agents from the Bureau of Oddities. The agents explore origin stories that are based in historical legend – think St. Nicholas and Odin of Norse mythology – without ruining any holiday magic.
“It’s a slapstick approach, so kids and adults are getting a lot of education without knowing,” says Norris.
Norris served as the associate vice president of interpretation and family programs at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis when the show was created. “When this show came on board, I decided to make it my last project before I left. It was a fun way to cap off my time at the museum,” he says.
The show is written for kids ages six to ten and their grownups. Finding high-quality work of art that are entertaining for adults and children can be challenging, Norris says.
This show is intergenerational, he adds. “It gives good historical information that people don’t know. I love how much information is crammed in. We want adults to be entertained as well. This show does a good job with that.”
The three-person play was originally written for two actors. “It works well for two parts, but we thought we would add a third actor to take the burden off of the other actors. All of the actors play multiple roles,” Norris says.
He’s excited about the opening of the play here in Richmond and what audiences will learn from it. “I enjoy sharing the history in such a fun way,” he says.
For showtimes and tickets, visit VirginiaRep.org.
