Tallahassee Welcomes “Plaid Tidings” Under New Direction
Who, What, Where, When, Why
Theatre Tallahassee will debut “Plaid Tidings”, a unique holiday production, on December 12. Directed by Billy Lister, this production promises an exciting blend of music and festive cheer, running through December 22. Lister’s journey to directing has been serendipitous, evolving from a middle school elective to his first directorial role for this show.
From Student to Director
Billy Lister’s introduction to theater began when he was in middle school. Initially selecting theater as an elective, he quickly found himself captivated by the art form. Since then, he has actively participated in numerous productions both in his hometown of Jacksonville and in Tallahassee. Lister stated, “I like to get my hands dirty in theater. I’ll do pretty much anything.” His versatility has seen him take on various roles, from acting to set construction.
Although theater was not initially his career path, Lister’s academic journey took a turn at Florida State University. A business major, he realized during his freshman year that he was not fulfilled and decided to switch to theater. After graduating, he began teaching theater to children through after-school programs, focusing on nurturing young talent.
A Serendipitous Opportunity
Director roles were never part of Lister’s original plans. However, after seeing a call for directors at Theatre Tallahassee, he applied on a whim. While traveling in Europe, he received an email offering him the director position for “Plaid Tidings.” Excitedly, he responded with an enthusiastic acceptance, despite having only skimmed the script. Since that moment, he has embraced the challenges and joys of directing.
Community Impact and Teaching
In addition to directing, Lister teaches at local theater companies, including Making Light Productions, which focuses on engaging neurodivergent children. He expressed his passion for teaching, saying, “I feel like I am making a difference and doing something creative when I am teaching theater.” His commitment to inclusivity ensures more children have access to theater, an experience that can be transformative.
Judging and Mentoring
Lister is also involved in the theater community as a judge for district competitions in which he once participated. This role not only allows him to contribute to the community but also connects him with students he has previously taught, creating a full-circle moment in his career.
A Unique Holiday Show
“Plaid Tidings” is a refreshing twist on traditional holiday productions. Describing the show, Lister noted, “A lot of holiday shows are sad… but this one is not.” Featuring a cheerful ensemble of ghosts from the previous Broadway success “Forever Plaid,” the show is packed with over 30 holiday songs, some clever parodies, and engaging dance numbers. Audience participation is encouraged as cast members plan to interact with theatergoers, making it a lively experience.
Event Details
The opening night for “Plaid Tidings” is set for December 12, with performances taking place until December 22. Evening shows will commence at 7 p.m., alongside 2 p.m. matinee performances. Theatre Tallahassee is located at 1861 Thomasville Road, offering tickets ranging from $15 to $25. For those seeking an entertaining holiday outing, this show promises to deliver music, laughter, and the spirit of the season.
Conclusion
With so much effort and creativity injected into this performance, Lister eagerly awaits the audience’s reaction, stating, “We have put in so much work and so much time into this performance. I can’t wait for people to see the show.” “Plaid Tidings” is sure to be a delightful addition to Tallahassee’s holiday celebrations.
