Is Christmas canceled? The Peak to Peak Chorale presented a play and musical based on George Blevins’ Cabin Fever. Above, left; Jim Reed played Santa, Above, right; the Chorale was directed by Jane Wyss, Wendy Wheaton performed on the keyboard, Lisa Friisbaastad played the flute. Bottom, right; Chorale members read the news that Christmas has been canceled. PHOTOS BY ANNE SCARFFE[/caption]

The Peak to Peak Chorale presented a play and musical based on George Blevins’ Cabin Fever, on Friday December 2 at 7 p.m. in Central City and at the Golden Gate Canyon Grange at 3 p.m., December 4, 2022.

The play is based on a cartoon first printed in The Mountain-Ear newspaper. According to the cartoon, Santa Claus is tired of delivering presents all night on Christmas day and wants to quit.

Jim Reed, who played Santa in the play, said he has been involved with the Peak to Peak Chorale for about four years. Most of the musicians are from Gilpin County and Nederland. The chorale practices every Wednesday in the Gilpin County Library.

Jane Wyss is the director and Wendy Wheaton performed on the keyboard. Lisa Friisbaastad played the flute.

First the choir sang “Joy in the Morning” a traditional French carol, arranged by Emily Crocker, which included the flute and piano. “Joy shall be yours in the morning.”

The character of Little Eddie, played by Donna Phillips, who is also the organization’s treasurer, said she had a dream that something important was going to happen. Armetus, played by Ray Phillips, said he doubted that.

The chorale then sang “Fool on a Hill” by Lennon and McCartney, arranged by Kirby Shaw. The choir asked why would anyone live in a place like this. Artemus said you must be crazy as a loon to live here.

The choir sang “Hey, ho, nobody home,” arranged by Jane Wyss. “Hey ho, nobody home. Meat nor drink nor money have I none. Still I will be merry.”

Little Eddie said Santa is a mythology, but Santa is a saint. Choir members read the news that Christmas will be canceled this year. There will be no fat fellows sliding down the chimney this year. Why do you think they will cancel Christmas this year?

The chorale sang “The Promised Land.” They say, “I’m bound for the promised land. Who will go and come with me.”

The littlest elf said she has been working all night long and presented a summons to Little Eddy. All stove doors must be open on Christmas Eve so Santa can get through.

The Chorale sang “At the Table,” The words are, “Everyone is welcome and everyone matters. You can say whatever you want. The door is always open. Come as you are.”

After receiving her summons, Little Eddie decided to go find Santa. Santa said he is quitting, and Little Eddie decides she will save Christmas.

The chorus sings “The Fox.” “Masters in the Hall, “Away in a Manger,” “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman’’ and a “30 second Merry Christmas.”

Sopranos were Linza Douglas, president, Elisabeth Jarril, Carol Mirarck, Joseane Motchan, Sinikka Pember-Coulter, Donna Phillips, Celia Wilson, De Wu and Ann Wyss. Altos were Lise Friisbaastad, Cheryl Pitcher, Kay Lorenz, Susie Reed, Marith Reheis, Barbara Thielemann.

Tenors were Patti Chavez, Rhonda Horwitz-Romano, Bill Miller and Ray Phillips. Basses were Stephen Coulter, John Pineau, Jim Reed, and Mike Plante.