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Production History
Photo Gallery
Quotes from the audience

“Kudos to you and the whole cast and crew for a wonderfully entertaining Winterlight series! You hit all the high notes— beautifully shot winterscapes, rich and varied source material, expert delivery by an engaging cast, all shaped by a master's hand. A first-class production all around!”

 

“We so enjoyed your 3-part production WINTERLIGHT. It was a Monday night highlight during this holiday season— so glad the Strib included it in their recommendations. Thank you.”

 

“Kudos to all involved for these moments of quiet delight, these spaces in which to breathe. And yes, I wept at James’ lovely interpretation of my favorite Frost poem as a benediction! Such a splendid way to celebrate winter.”

Winterlight

Stories, poems and songs to illuminate the season, a gift from Girl Friday Productions. Released online in three December 2020 episodes.

Directed by Craig Johnson               

Technical Magic by Aaron Fiskradatz

Join Girl Friday Productions for Winterlight, a three-episode digital series of stories, poems and songs to warm the soul during this season of light. This eclectic mix of timeless winter tales features beloved and lesser-known works by Willa Cather, O. Henry, W.E.B. DuBois, Margaret Widdemer, Hans Christian Andersen, Sara Teasdale, Gertrude Parthenia McBrown, Robert Frost and more. Each episode is short (about 20 minutes) and freely accessible to the community. No tickets or reservations required, simply click and enjoy!

Episode One
Livestreaming Monday, December 14 at 7:30 pm

 

Kitty Clover’s Letter to Santa Claus  

anonymous, 1913

featuring Dana Lee Thompson

 

Ms. Puckett

A memory by Sam Landman, 2020

 

Three Poems

Winter Sport 

anonymous, 1850

featuring James Rodriguez

 

A Snowman 

anonymous, 1889

featuring Taj Ruler

 

Winter Branches 

By Margaret Widdemer, 1921

featuring Willie E. Jones III

 

The Burglar’s Christmas

By Willa Cather, 1896, adapted by Craig Johnson

featuring Kirby Bennett, Reese Britts, James Rodriguez & Taj Ruler

In the Bleak Midwinter

Lyrics: 1872 (Christina Rossetti) Music: 1906 (Gustav Holst)

Featuring Reese Britts

Episode Two
Livestreaming Monday, December 21 at 6:30 pm

(note earlier time, after Winterlight we invite you to join Open Eye Theatre for Longest Night at 7:00 pm)

The Gift of the Magi

by O. Henry, 1905

featuring Willie E. Jones III, Sophina Saggau & Craig Johnson

 

I Saw Three Ships 

Traditional, 17th century

featuring Hope Nordquist, with Kai Brewster, musician

Two Poems

January

by William Carlos Williams, 1921

featuring Sam Landman

I Heard a Bird Sing

by Oliver Herford, ca. 1900

featuring Kirby Bennett

 

The Sermon in the Cradle  

by W.E.B. DuBois, 1921, Courtesy of HathiTrust

featuring Dana Lee Thompson with the Company

Good Will Toward Men Quote

W.E.B DuBois, 1910, Courtesy of HathiTrust

Featuring Willie E. Jones III

Episode Three

Livestreaming Monday, December 28 at 7:30 pm

 

The Evergreen

German folktale, 19th century, adapted by Craig Johnson  

featuring Taj Ruler

 

Two Poems

A Winter Blue-Jay

by Sara Teasdale, 1915

featuring Sophina Saggau

A Painter

by Gertrude Parthenia McBrown, 1935, From the New York Public Library

featuring Dana Lee Thompson

 

Yuki-Onna: The Snow Woman

Japanese folktale, 19th century, adapted by Craig Johnson

featuring Hope Nordquist

 

All Through the Night

Lyrics: 1884 (Harold Boulton), 2020 (Craig Johnson)  

Music: 1784 (Traditional Welsh)

featuring Reese Britts, with Amanda Hennen, guitar


The Little Match Girl

by Hans Christian Andersen, 1845

featuring Craig Johnson


Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost, 1923

featuring James Rodriguez

Cast and Artistic Team

Kirby Bennett, Reese Britts, Aaron Fiskradatz, Craig Johnson, Willie Jones, Sam Landman, Hope Nordquist, James Rodriguez, Taj Ruler, Sophina Saggau, Dana Lee Thompson

Special Thanks 

Josh and Bernie Casey  

Philip Losacker 

Julie Martinez  

Nancy and Anthony Paul 

Wendy Ruyle 

Tony and Matt 

Bad Karma 

Becky Welander
Darrick Mosley

And our Winterlight Cast and Artistic Team 

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