Radiating a distinctive glow, “A Very Electric Christmas” lightens up the holidays with 2 and 6 p.m. shows Dec. 29-30 at Theatre at the Center in Munster.
“I would say it’s one of the most unique family experiences you can have in live theater these days,” said Ian Blanco, tour manager for “A Very Electric Christmas” — a production of New Orleans-based Lightwire Theater.
“The technology we use is something that has not been seen very often on stage,” Blanco, 27, added in a phone interview this month.
With music ranging from the classical bent of Tchaikovsky to the pop stylings of Mariah Carey, a heartfelt story is served up that is ideal for children of all ages and families alike, according to promotional material from Theatre at the Center.
Blanco’s wife, Elizabeth, serves as road manager for “A Very Electric Christmas,” which boasts a kinetic, glow-in-the-dark buzz.
“It’s very high energy; we have a big fight scene,” Elizabeth Blanco said. “We have a lot of comedic moments. It’s a very exciting family show. It is an uplifting story, overall.”
The spectator’s perspective is couched in a colorful theatrical setting that brings “stories to life in complete darkness,” according to Lightwire Theater, a 2012 semifinalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”
Elizabeth Blanco noted performers wear electroluminescent costumes which stand out against the darkness.
Electroluminescent wire, known as el wire, can be powered by batteries and gives off a 360-degree brand of glowing light, according to the troupe’s website.
“All the performers wear these black velvet suits because black velvet absorbs more light than any other material we’ve ever worked with,” Blanco, 28, said.
She pointed out that, in one sense, “A Very Electric Christmas” manages to “mirror the classic Nutcracker story” made famous by Tchaikovsky.
There are Nutcracker soldiers, and more.
“We have an evil Rat King,” Blanco, a New Orleans resident, said.
The familiar heroine of “The Nutcracker” is not portrayed, but an endearing main character gets the chance to win audiences’ hearts.
“Instead of the traditional Clara character, we have a baby bird named Max,” Blanco related.
As Santa’s helpers put the final touches on presents, Max gets blown off course while heading south for the winter, and ends up alone and lost at the North Pole, according to a synopsis from Lightwire Theater.
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The audience watches “Max trying to find his way home for Christmas,” according to Blanco.
Even though the Munster shows are coming after Dec. 25, Blanco believes the spirit of the season is still incorporated in Lightwire Theater’s production.
“We definitely still have that Christmas energy when we perform it after Christmas,” she said.
Ian and Elizabeth Blanco also are onstage performers for Lightwire Theater, but will not be in the Munster engagement of “A Very Electric Christmas,” which rolls out “friendly caroling worms, dancing poinsettias” and mischievous mice, according to the troupe.
There is a wondrous edge to the show, according to Richard Friedman, general manager of Theatre at the Center.
“It’s magical what they do with lights,” he said.
Friedman said well-rounded entertainment is being offered at four performances.
“The integration of music is really important to the concept of Lightwire; they’ve got art, technology, movement, integration with music and storytelling,” Friedman, a Chicago resident, said. “If you’re just looking at a light show without a story, it’s not as engaging for kids, particularly.”
Lightwire Theater touts “A Very Electric Christmas” as a “tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits.”
Known also for its dance prowess, Lightwire Theater has had a global reach with its illuminated brand of theater, having entertained in China, France and Abu Dhabi.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
‘A Very Electric Christmas’
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 29 and 30
Tickets: Adults $20, students $10
Information: 219-836-3255, theatreatthecenter.com/on-stage/special-events-and-concerts/lightwire