What is your recipe for making merry?

Merry is a word that is traditionally associated with Christmas, but it is certainly applicable to anyone and any holiday. Merry is just about being happy, festive, and joyous. Every December we all do our best to make merry in our own ways, depending on your family traditions. For me, merry is all about smells of the season. The smells of the candles being lit, the smell of latkes cooking over the stove, the smell of that awful kosher wine that seems to have a place on every Jewish table. These smells always bring me back to my childhood. In one whiff I’m transported instantly to an 8 year old girl excitedly waiting as the candles are lit and the prayers are sung so that I can see what present awaits me on that night. Those smells are the ingredients that I need to make merry. So how do you make merry?

This month, Stories on Stage is featuring short stories all about making merry. If you haven’t caught a Stories on Stage performance before, than this is the perfect one to introduce you to this wonderful monthly show. Stories on Stage features short works of fiction being read by some of the best actors in town. And what better way to take a break from your holiday shopping than to sit down in a comfortable theatre for a couple of hours, enjoy some holiday tales, and think about what ingredients you need to make merry?

Nick Sugar is reading a story called Christmas Shopping: A Survivors Guide, by well known humorist Dave Barry. Nick may be one of the most well known directors and actors in Denver and his recipe for making merry is a simple one. When asked what makes his holiday merry he had a short list of ingredients that I’m certain many can relate to, “family, friends, my dog Zucci, and a couple shots of really expensive tequila!”

Certainly many people would have similar lists. Family, friends, good food and drink – these are all the important ingredients for making a successful batch of merry. Randy Moore is another popular actor that has performed in many shows at the Denver Center, he will be reading Captain Eli’s Best Ear by Frank Stockton. Randy’s recipe for a merry holiday? Also similar to Nick Sugar’s, Randy’s ingredients include “good friends, good food, good wine, and singing lots of carols.”

This month at Stories on Stage you will also get to see Maggie Roswell reading a short story, and you are certain to recognize her voice. She is the voice of Maude Flanders, Helen Lovejoy, Miss Hoover and Lu Ann Van Houten on The Simpsons. She’s also been on Broadway and toured internationally. Maggie’s recipe for making merry? “My husband Hal and daughter Spenser's laughter mixed with a house filled with friends singing Christmas carols but getting the words wrong... throw in a dash of holiday smells like pine boughs, apples, nutmeg or cinnamon and top it all off with two dogs sleeping quietly by the fireplace....heaven” And you can catch Maggie reading a story called Holly or Challah by Paul Rudnick.

The is the perfect time of year to get together with your family and friends and enjoy some holiday cheer as brought to you by these amazing talents. Stories on Stage has three performances this weekend. Saturday will be at the Dairy Center for the Arts in Boulder at 2 PM – plus this is the first time that Stories on Stage has ever been in Boulder, so be sure to get your tickets for this one today. Then, on Sunday, Stories on Stage returns to the Denver Center for two shows, at 1:30 and at 6:30. Stories on Stage is the perfect addition to your holiday weekend, and who knows – maybe Stories on Stage will be on your making merry recipe for next year’s holiday season.

Stories on Stage presents:
Making Merry in Boulder
America's best actors from stage and screen bring warmth to the season with stories of the heart.
Saturday, December 11@ 2 p.m.
Single tickets are $25 Adult/ $15 Student
The Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, 80302
Call 303-444-7328 or online at www.thedairy.org

Making Merry in Denver
Sunday, December 12 @ 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Single tickets are $25 Adult/ $15 Student
Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Speer and Arapahoe
Online at www.storiesonstage.org or by phone at 303-494-0523