King Island Christmas Starring Paolo Montalban

Based on the book by Jean Rogers
Libretto by Deborah Baley Brevoort
Music by David Friedman
directed by Anita Maynard-Losh

November 21 - December 21 (Previews begin November 16)

It's Christmas Eve, and the King Islanders rise to the challenge of saving their priest who is stranded aboard the North Star freighter. In the tradition of a musical oratorio, actors portraying a multitude of characters celebrate the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity in this wonderfully Alaskan tale. Former Alaskan playwright Deborah Brevoort (Coyote Goes Salmon Fishing, Covered Dishes, Into the Fire, Blue Moon Over Graceland) and musician David Friedman (Conductor, Vocal Arranger for Disney's Animated Features Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame and Music and Lyrics for Aladdin & The King of Thieves) join creative forces to bring one of Alaska's best loved children's books to stage for the first time.

Sponsored by Jensen Yorba Lott, Inc., National Bank of Alaska, Faulkner Banfield Doogan & Holmes, with additional funding provided by the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the City and Borough of Juneau, and Shubert Foundation.

Costumer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Reverberation -wow!!!, November 23, 2000
Reviewer: A music fan from chicago,Il., Il. United States
Luckily for me a friend suggested this CD. A horror trip of 5 hours in a van with four children turned into a glorious journey. By the time we reached our destination we all had favorite cuts from this CD, King Island Christmas. This CD is sure a king among Christmas music.It doesn't take the place of the traditional Christmas tunes but it certainly deserves a place with them. Be sure to get it for your family.

 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

PERFECT FOR HOLIDAYS, November 13, 2000
Reviewer: Courtney VanHussen from Florida
Absolutely love this recording. Each time we play it we gather more personal meanings from the lyrics. Music is habit forming. The more you listen, the more you want to hear it again and again and again. Our kids love it ... and even the grandparents love it. How exciting to find something that several generations can enjoy together.

 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Great!!, November 9, 2000
Reviewer: divmeister (see more about me) from Dallas,TX
Friends suggested that I buy this CD to entertain my grandchildren. The kids loved it; so did my wife and I. The story is simple and eloquently communicates the values we want our grandchildren to embrace. The music is so captivating I can't stop playing it even though the grandchildren's visit has ended.

 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

A Winner!!, November 9, 2000
Reviewer: natjulia (see more about me) from Richmond, VA
The music is wonderful - the story heartwarming. King Island Christmas is going to be a holiday tradition for our family.

 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

King Island Christmas a Smash Hit!, November 3, 2000
Reviewer: Betty Owen from Florida
We had heard about the recording from friends. Finally purchased one and played it in our car while taking the children to events. It is amazing. It had us all spellbound to the point where the children did not want to leave the car till the music was over. We then knew we had to purchase a second disc to keep in the house. It is the perfect album to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. We love the song ... Over the Mountain ... and are singing and humming it all day long. We will certainly get some copies as holiday gifts for friends.

 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Awe Inspiring Christmas Classic, November 2, 2000
Reviewer: Judy Wicker (see more about me) from New York, New York
King Island Christmas is a wonderful awe inspiring Christmas Classic that will remain in the hearts of everyone who hears it! The words and music stir the soul and spirit with Love and Light! It transforms the listener to heavenly heights with feelings of goodness, joy and elation. After listening to the story and the music one will know and realize that the love of humanity is our greatest gift; and that all is possible when we believe in ourselves and the goodness of others. BRAVO TO DAVID FRIEDMAN AND DEBORAH BREVOORT! THANK YOU!

 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

WOW!, October 27, 2000
Reviewer: jordan Burnett from Arlington, VA USA
well, I was just honored to be in the staged reading of KING ISLAND CHRISTMAS, not only was singing it everyday amazing but so was listening to it. The recording is made up of a wonderful cast of voices. If you enjoy beautiful music, this is definetly a CD for you.

 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Future Classic, October 19, 2000
Reviewer: lsilence (see more about me) from Ellisville, Missouri USA
I was privileged to attend a performance of this future Christmas classic at an American Library Association Midwinter conference in 1999, and I will never forget it. Each member of the audience was given a cassette recording of the performance and mine is worn out. I was delighted to buy the CD version as soon as I was aware that it existed! Each time I hear it, I love it more.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Captures The True Spirit of Christmas, September 23, 2000
Reviewer: Pera Wells from New York, NY USA
Listening to the music on the CD was like opening a Christmas stocking: each song is a gift. The story is like the great pageants of traditional holiday music. Surprisingly, I found myself singing along and I remembered the melodies long after the CD was over. I've been sharing this wonderful work with my family and friends. They agree with me that it would make a wonderful staged production or film. It has the potential to become a classic.