Merry Christmas, Strega Nona

by Thomas W. Olson
Based on the book by Tomie dePaola
With music composed by Alan Shorter

Long ago, near a little town in Calabria, Italy lived an old witch called Strega Nona “Grandma Witch”. She knew magic and loved to use it to help people. Big Anthony, Strega Nona’s helper, didn’t like to work, never paid attention and almost always got into trouble. Every Christmas Eve, Strega Nona made a big feast for all the people of Calabria with no magic at all because she says, “No magic at Christmastime. Christmas has a magic all its own.” After Big Anthony nearly ruined Christmas by another one of his goofs, it seemed like nothing but a miracle could save Strega Nona’s feast. But Christmas is a time for miracles…and wonderful surprises too.

Regular price $12.00
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Quick Details

  • Type: Musical
  • Estimated Run Time: 60-75 minutes
  • Availability: Available for productions worldwide
  • Cast Size: 10 roles +ensemble | Doubling Possible

Full Details

Roles:

  • Strega Nona
  • Big Anthony
  • Bambolona
  • Little Paolo
  • Signore Bambo, the Baker
  • Paolo's Father/Puppeteer
  • Mayor
  • Priest
  • Signora Rosa
  • Paolo's Mother

Ensemble includes: Zampognari; Villagers, Children

The following resources are included in each performance license:
  • Permission to photocopy the PDF script/score for your production so there is no additional cost for these assets.
  • Permission to use illustration from original book in marketing/advertising

Thomas Olson

Thomas W. Olson began his professional theatre career at age 17 as an actor with The Children's Theatre Company (CTC); he eventually became a member of its resident acting company and also served as stage manager, promotions director, stage director, literary manager, dramaturg for 24 productions by guest playwrights, and, from 1978-1990, as CTC's resident playwright. To date, CTC has commissioned and produced more scripts by Thomas W. Olson than any other playwright in its history (30 scripts in 45 productions and three national tours), including world premiere adaptations of The Clown of God, Dracula, The HobbitThe Phantom of the Opera, and his award-winning The Secret Garden. Beyond CTC, nearly a dozen additional original plays and adapted works have received productions by Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (mainstage and national tour), the National Arts Centre of Canada, Alliance Theatre of Atlanta, Arkansas Arts Center, Indiana Repertory Theater, Riverside Shakespeare Theatre and other troupes large and small across North America and beyond. His adaptation of Frankenstein became a nationally-broadcast CBS television special and The Marvelous Land of Oz, for MCA/Universal, appeared on HBO and Showtime cable as well as home video.

Originally produced by Children's Theatre Company in the 87-88 Season

Photos of production at Raleigh Little Theatre

Photos of production at Raleigh Little Theatre

Photos of production at Raleigh Little Theatre