PORTSMOUTH – Ready to get into the holiday spirit? Come to a production of “Ye Merry Gentlemen” at the Players’ ring, written by G. Matthew Gaskell and directed by Sam Smith, opening on Nov.14 and running through Nov.30.
This heartwarming new play is a joyful reminder that believing can bring a little magic into our lives – especially during the holidays. A decade after its first production, “Ye Merry Gentlemen” returns to the Ring with some of the original script and original cast – now 10 years older, and maybe a little wiser. Get ready to laugh, feel, and leave with your heart full.
It’s Christmas Eve, and this family is on a mission: to finally convince 50-year-old George (played by Christopher Savage) that Santa Claus isn’t real. But George isn’t backing down – he has a few surprises of his own that might just change everything.
Gaskell recalls the play was first produced in November 2016.
“Originally it was our generation – the young adults who dealt with most of the conflict,” he said.”this updated version has us all in our 50’s interacting with our adult children. It’s a fuller piece with multiple generations involved.”
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gaskell describes the family as “all of us.”
“I tried to make the script as ‘everybody’ as I possibly could and the cast is playing each character as ‘a real person having a real day’,” he said.
Gaskell added that his “salad days” at the Ring were from 2006 to 2017.
“I gained a lot of experience, met many glorious artists (including several of my current castmates) and was able to really find my voice as a playwright,” he said. “The six ‘core’ characters (the adults) have been with me from the beginning. And they will stay with me until I’m dead.”
Gaskell’s favorite genre?
“I love writing comedy. It’s been my passion since I was very, very young,” he said. “I don’t really know why,other than the math and science of comedy makes sense to me. Figuring out the perfect gag and watching it executed flawlessly.
“Ye Merry Gentlemen” Brings Holiday Cheer to The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth, NH
Table of Contents
The Players’ Ring in Portsmouth, New hampshire, presents “Ye Merry Gentlemen,” a festive play written by G.Matthew Gaskell and directed by Sam Smith, running from November 14th to November 30th, 2024. This production promises a delightful theatrical experience for audiences of all ages during the holiday season.
Performance Details
Dates & Times:
* November 14-30, 2024
* Thursdays: 7:00 p.m.
* Fridays & Saturdays: 7:30 p.m.
* saturdays & Sundays: 2:30 p.m.
* Exceptions: No performance on Thanksgiving (November 27th). Sunday, November 30th performances are at 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Players’ Ring Theater, 105 marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH.
Tickets: https://www.playersring.org/
Cost:
* General Admission: $32
* Seniors (65+)/Students/Veterans/First Responders: $29
* The play is also included in The Players’ Ring subscription packages.
About The Players’ Ring
The Players’ Ring is a community theatre dedicated to providing a platform for local talent and enriching the cultural landscape of Portsmouth. They rely on the generous support of sponsors, including:
* Patrons of the Arts: The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation, Tour Restaurant, The Puddle Dock restaurant, RAKA Creative.
* Supporters: Business Cents, City of Portsmouth Recreation Department, Dowling HVAC, Port City Makerspace.
* Media Partners: Portsmouthnh.com and Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth.
Key Takeaways
* What: “Ye Merry Gentlemen,” a play by G. Matthew Gaskell, directed by Sam Smith.
* Where: The Players’ Ring Theatre, Portsmouth, NH.
* When: November 14-30, 2024 (with specific showtimes listed above).
* Tickets: Available for purchase at https://www.playersring.org/
This production offers a splendid prospect to support local theater and enjoy a festive outing with family and friends.