Surfside Playhouse entertains outside-the-box with Christmas comedy, film festival
Surfside Playhouse has a reputation to uphold when it comes to quirky shows. It’s no surprise that, at a time of year when other community theaters are more focused on tried-and-true holiday shows, the place “where Cocoa Beach meets the stage” steps up to the plate with “The Candy Cane Caper: The Reindeer Who Knew Too Much.”
From Dec. 8 through the 17, audiences can receive their dose of holiday cheer with a goofy interactive mystery set in Santa’s Workshop. Credit - or blame - Surfside president Steven Mogell for the script, which he in turn credits to the holiday heroes of his own history.
“I started with the premise of borrowing family Christmas-themed television shows of my youth, Rudolph, Hermey, etc., and just thought how they would be in 2023,” he said.
He added humor and, of course, a murder. Plus a llama or two, because why wouldn’t you?
“It’s sort of what we do with our 'Fractured' series: Take a famous story, add some humor, and song or two and voila, there you have it!” he said.
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Directed by Chris Tsocanos, “The Candy Cane Caper” is a PG-13 story that includes Santa and the Mrs., elves. reindeer and a llama or two. To resolve the situation, Santa has called upon famous detective Sam Shovel, who, unfortunately, is on a cruise, so assistant Justine steps in to save the day.
The audience can interact with the suspects to decipher the mystery, answer trivia questions and perhaps walk away with a prize for their efforts.
The ensemble cast is not entirely plucked from Surfside’s Improv Brigade, but a couple of Brigaders are involved.
In the "now for something completely different" department, Surfside will host the inaugural Touchstone Independent Film Festival at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16.
“It’s an event we hope to present annually in the future,” said artistic director Bryan Bergeron.
An international celebration of independent short films, the festival offers a platform to share unique stories with a global audience.
“Our festival is dedicated to showcasing the best and most innovative work of independent filmmakers,” Bergeron said.
The public screening represents the best of the best from award winners of 10 monthly competitions. Awards recognize achievements in categories such as storytelling, cinematography, editing and sound design.
“Our festival is committed to promoting the work of aspiring filmmakers by sharing their films and awards received in addition to public online streaming of trailers and VIP interviews through our social media presence,” Bergeron added.
“We believe that independent filmmaking is a vital part of our cultural landscape, and we are honored to provide a platform for these voices to be heard.”
If you go
'The Candy Cane Caper'
Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach
When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 17
Tickets: $25
Info: 321-783-3127
On the web: surfsideplayhouse.com
Touchstone Independent Film Festival
Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach
When: Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors, students and military
Looking for more? Be sure to check floridatoday.com and the TGIF section in print on Fridays for ongoing coverage of Christmas and holiday events.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Help solve a holiday whodunnit at Surfside Playhouse
