What you need to know about OKC's unique holiday show 'Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker'

From multiple versions of the classics "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol" to locally produced concerts starring a Miss America and even a recreation of "The Polar Express," central Oklahoma is a veritable overstuffed stocking of live holiday shows.

But perhaps none is as unique as "Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker," an original yuletide production that is half interactive Regency Era ball, half showcase for some of the esteemed — and currently trendy — author's most beloved stories, and all a family-friendly holiday delight.

Adapted by Oklahoma playwright Erin Woods from Austen's books and family letters, the show is in the midst of its second comeback, with performances continuing through Dec. 23 inside Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park's recently remodeled indoor black box theater in the Paseo Arts District.

Here is what theatergoers can expect from this year's production of "Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker:"

Is the show the same as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes. "Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker" was a seasonal tradition for three years at Reduxion Theatre, the OKC classical company Erin Woods and husband Tyler Woods, now Oklahoma Shakespeare's executive producer, operated from 2007 to 2016.

In 2019, Oklahoma Shakespeare took up the immersive title to cap its 35th season, with plans to reprise the popular yuletide production in 2020. But the small professional theater was forced to cancel the holiday show — along with the rest of its remaining plays — after the spring 2020 COVID-19 outbreak.  

Happily, the show's post-pandemic comeback retains most of the aspects that make "Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker" special, including the rare opportunity for ticketholders to take part in Regency Period dances, games and Christmas carols, the complimentary Braum's ice cream treats and the singular chance to watch iconic Austen characters who would never otherwise mingle share the stage — and even interact with audience members.

Most of what has changed is due to the renovations to Oklahoma Shakespeare's indoor theater. The way the space is now structured, the audience experience is a little more akin to a traditional show and a little less like a home-hosted ball where people can move about freely. But the trade-offs are much more comfortable seating as well as a better flow for the show's scripted parts.

What characters are included in this year's production?

Designed as an immersive, all-ages theatrical experience, "Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker" invites patrons to attend a 19th-century holiday party hosted by Jane Austen (Karis McMurry) and her sister, Cassandra Austen (returning favorite Lindsey Rollins, who brings a warm presence and splendid singing voice).

This year's guest list features the differing Dashwood sisters, practical and reserved Elinor (Lilly McCullough) and romantic and outgoing Marianne (Bell Reeves), plus their respective suitors, the shy yet honorable Edward Ferrars (Tyler John Malinauskas) and the older consummate gentleman Colonel Brandon (Cam Taylor), from Austen's first published novel, 1811's "Sense and Sensibility.”

The lovelorn anguish is palpable between the intelligent and now wiser Anne Elliot (Melodye Brant) and her former fiancé, the dashing Captain Wentworth (Justin Marlow), from the writer's final completed novel, 1818's "Persuasion."

Although the playwright often swaps out various Austen stories and characters, the show always includes a piece of the perennially popular "Pride and Prejudice," with clever heroine Elizabeth Bennet (charmer Jessa Schinske, who has played the role in almost every "Christmas Cracker"), her flirty younger sister Lydia (Ariana Sophia), her chatterbox mother Mrs. Bennet (the hilarious Zaneen Hotchkiss) and her unlikely love interest Fitzwilliam Darcy (Regan Rodgers) joining this year's festivities.

Part of the fun of the show is seeing Mr. Darcy and Colonel Brandon commiserate over their romantic obstacles or the Dashwood sisters observe a heartbreaking exchange between Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot, all while their creator jots down notes — and sometimes even changes the dialogue mid-scene.

Watching as the looks that Schinske's Elizabeth and Rodgers' Darcy shoot each other across the dance floor evolve from loathing to longing is sure to beguile casual Austen fans and loyal Janeites alike. Plus, the show's format means that you might briefly partner with your favorite literary character on the dance floor, meet them in the lobby or even have them approach you for a brief chat.

All the performers are beautifully clad in period dress by Lyric Theatre resident costume designer Jeffrey Meek and Oklahoma Shakespeare costume designer Chloe Mullin.

What parts of the show are interactive?

Attendees are given the chance to join cast members on stage and try out their dancing shoes with fancifully named dances from Britain's Regency Period (1811-1820), from slower selections like Dover Pier and Alice to livelier fare like the First of April and Ramsgate Assembly. Each dance is preceded by a short lesson with McMurry's Jane Austen calling out the steps.

The actors remain in character but also remain encouraging throughout the dances, so there's no shame if you forget a step or miss a turn. The players cheerfully welcomed both my daughters — Brenna, 12, and Kyla, 6 — and me to the dance floor, with Rollins gamely swooping my youngest up in her arms when the steps got to be too much for her.

One change director Amanda Lee made this year: She designated particular cast members as pickers for each dance, letting them pluck volunteers from the audience instead of just letting anyone who wants to dance come on down. Given the snugness of the space, it's a smart change, and with so many dances on the program, most everyone who volunteers to dance will get at least one chance to try the Regency Era steps.

Ticketholders also are invited to sing along with the characters to several old English Christmas carols like "The First Noel," "Here We Come A-Wassailing" and "Good King Wenceslas," which was my husband Patrick's favorite part of the show. The lyrics to the songs are provided in the program, which also is handy to flag down cast members if an attendee wishes to dance.

Plus, the actors select volunteers from the audience to play two Regency Era parlor games: the outrageous returning favorite Squeal, Piggy, Squeal and the entertaining new addition Forfeits.

Can attendees choose how much they want to participate?

Yes. Some audience members opt to don Regency-style garb or other fancy dress, volunteer for every game and dance, sing all the carols, try all the snacks and hope for a chance to chat with the dapper Mr. Darcy or the uproariously unfiltered Mrs. Bennet.

Others choose to wear jeans, sit in their seat and simply watch the show, while others pick a level somewhere in between. There's no pressure or coercion for attendees to engage any more than they would at a traditional theatrical performance, unless they volunteer for it.

Ticketholders shouldn't disrupt the scripted parts of the performance and should follow basic rules of etiquette.

What kinds of complimentary refreshments are served?

Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Store is the longtime sponsor of "Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker," and the company supplies a freezer full of ice cream sandwiches, Nutty Cones and prepackaged scoops. Although he enjoys the singing, my son, Gabe, 16, considers eating all the ice cream he can stomach his favorite aspect of this yuletide title.

Since ice cream wasn't a thing back in Regency Era England, some of the cast members have fun cheekily marveling over these frozen refreshments.

Other complimentary sweet treats like cookies and brownies also are offered to attendees, while the bar is open for each performance and serves up an array alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages suitable for the season.

What is a Christmas cracker anyway?

The play's title comes from the traditional tube-shaped party props that typically contain a small gift, paper crown and a joke. They’re designed for two people to pull open by tugging on opposite ends, and the one who gets the larger part wins the contents. (Imagine wishing on a wishbone only with a paper tube with a prize inside.)

They're called "crackers" for the popping sound they make when pulled apart.

Not only are the festive British Christmas favors part of the story's opening, but each attendee also is given a complimentary cracker as a parting gift. It's a fun addition to an already enchanting evening of interactive holiday merriment.

'JANE AUSTEN'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER' 

When: Through Dec. 23.  

Where: Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park's indoor black box theater, 2920 Paseo.  

Tickets and information: https://www.okshakes.org.  

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC's unique holiday show 'Jane Austen's Christmas Cracker' is back