‘A Very Merry Cook ’N Kells Christmas Special’ coming to Woodstock

Jeff Cook and Angie Kells have known each other since their days at McHenry High School and have done theatrical productions together in adulthood, but always wanted to collaborate on a script and production together. And now they have! Drawing on their similar senses of humor and nostalgia, they showcase their efforts in “A Very Merry Cook ’N Kells Christmas Special” on Dec. 21 in Woodstock.

But caution: It’s only onstage for one day at the Stage Left Cafe of the Woodstock Opera House, with performances at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21.

Cook and Kells’ new show is reminiscent of the television Christmas specials of days past: particularly Bob Hope, Andy Williams and the music and comedic bits of that genre. Kells admits that when she was writing the script with Cook in their library sessions, they frequently were hushed by other patrons because the two had erupted in laughter over what they had written. Kells said they worked well together because they concentrated on the intended audience members and how best to entertain them. Cook mentioned they both shared a lot of the same formative influences on their lives, and wanted to bring those treasured memories of the past to modern audiences in a way they would appreciate and understand.

The two then cast well-known area actors and singers in addition to themselves: Alison Hage (Crystal Lake), Joel Bennett (McHenry), Myriah Saunders (Rockford) and Metropolis music director Kenneth McMullen (Palatine) as pianist. Cook resides in Lake in the Hills and Kells in Woodstock.

Bennett last was seen onstage as Garry Essendine in McHenry County College’s Black Box Theatre presentation of “Present Laughter,” but also has performed in countless productions at the Woodstock Opera House as well as Raue Center For The Arts, Big Deal Productions and Saint James Theatre.

Saunders has been performing for as long as she can remember. She has appeared at Starlight Theatre, Woodstock Opera House and most recently The West Side Show Room in its production of “Vampire Lesbians.”

Hage frequently produces and performs for White Pines dinner theater, but is well known for her appearances with Theatre 121 at Woodstock Opera House, and most recently appeared in its productions of “White Christmas” and “Steel Magnolias.” Hage also holds the distinction of being directed by both Cook and Kells.

Cook grew up in the age of the classic television Christmas shows, and is thrilled to bring some of that holiday magic to today’s audiences. He is a writer, director and actor well known for his “Upstaged” web series and his performances on the Woodstock Opera House stage for nearly two decades.

McMullen is a self-employed musician, and has played keyboard and acted as music director for performances at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Drury Lane Theatre, The Joffrey Ballet, Northwestern University and various community theaters throughout Illinois. He currently serves as music director for the Metropolis production of “A Christmas Carol.”

Kells is a director, playwright, choreographer and actress well known for her work at White Pines, Woodstock Opera House and particularly with theaters in the northwest area. She is the former drama director at McHenry West Campus High School and executive arts director of the Riverview Theater; she was the creative force behind its very successful Shakespeare in the Park. This past summer, Kells co-founded Woodstock Shakespeare Players and co-produced its debut summertime production titled “A Bit O’ The Bard.”

This is a busy season, but if you’re looking for a unique opportunity to enjoy some holiday cheer, get a ticket for “A Very Merry Cook ‘N Kells Christmas Special.” With such abundant talent, humor and heart, laughter is guaranteed!

• Regina Belt-Daniels is a big fan of this holiday season; this also is her 10th year of writing theater reviews for Shaw Local News Network. She can be found either backstage, onstage or in the audience somewhere, and has served on theatrical boards throughout Illinois. She has performed, directed and stage managed for more than 40 productions with RCLPC, McHenry County College’s Black Box Theatre, Elgin Theatre Company, Independent Players, TSP, Steel Beam and Raue Center For The Arts.

IF YOU GO

• WHAT: “A Very Merry Cook ‘N Kells Christmas Special”

• WHERE: Stage Left Cafe of Woodstock Opera House, 125 Van Buren St., Woodstock

• WHEN: 3 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21; doors open 30 minutes earlier

• COST: $15

• INFORMATION: 815-338-5300, bit.ly/Cook-N-Kells-Christmas