Uptown Knauer kicks off debut stage season with famous holiday retelling

Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center has officially lifted its curtain for their new stage program, and Philadelphians can catch the debut of the first season now, which runs under new Artistic Director Carmen Khan.

Written by Tony Award-winning playwright and novelist William Gibson, “The Butterfingers Angel, Mary & Joseph, Herod the Nut & the Slaughter of 12 Hit Carols in a Pear Tree” is a classic retelling of the Christmas story, and it’s being brought to life at the cultural organization for the first show of the freshman season.

To put it simply, during the production, audiences will see a new perspective on Mary, Joseph and The Nativity.

“It defies the traditional telling of the story by creating a rich tapestry of characters and mood that are fresh and creative. The feel of the play is one of ridiculous hilarity and joy, but underlying that is a sense of the reverent, forgiveness, the miracle of the birth of a child and the hope and love that accompanies that,” explains Khan.

As the official description of the show states: A fumbling young Angel announces to Mary that she has been chosen to become a mother. But Mary is a free spirit, and her plans do not include marriage, or motherhood. Once a bewildered Joseph is won over, an antic pageant of tree, sheep, donkey, cow, kings and others set off on the road to Bethlehem.

The show features holiday tunes and plenty of heartfelt moments with comedic timing under the direction of Domenick Scudera—who has been involved with the local theater scene since 1992—with some local talent showcased in the cast as well including Jenna Kuerzi, DJ Gleason and Neill Hartley.

Khan added in a statement, “I wanted to find a holiday show that was highly entertaining and also moving. This play does both those things. It is filled with Christmas songs and fun, but the true significance of the occasion is never lost.”

“The Butterfingers Angel” runs now until Dec. 23, with a full schedule and list of performances available online.

Tickets for “The Butterfingers Angel” are now on sale starting at $35 with discounts available for families, seniors, students and military. Ticket buyers can still become Theatre Society Subscription Members as well, which includes the same seat for the entire season, legacy seating for the 2023-24 season, no package or exchange fees, and exclusive presales for year-round Uptown performances. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more.

For information on the production and on everything Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 N. High Street, West Chester) has going on, visit uptownwestchester.org