'Twas the week before Christmas and all through town
theater folk are raising money by the dollar and pound.
In a frightful pandemic, it’s not academic, they’re just big-hearted thespians turning a smile from frown.
It’s all about helping a community in need, and here’s two examples, not just in word but in deed.

“It’s A Wonderful Cafe”

For more than 40 years, the West Bank Café and downstairs Laurie Beechman Theater have been the favorite of theatre folk looking for great food, intimate entertainment and a place to commune with their fellow thespians. It’s the Sardi’s of Off-Broadway, but of course less formal and more affordable, catering to a clientele often wavering between feast and famine. I love the West Bank, as much for its welcoming ambience as for its longtime owner Steve Olsen, who’s put his heart and soul into the place through thick and now very thin. So thin that he’s announced he’ll be closing for good by year’s end, as the pandemic has devastated not only his business but also the lives of his loyal patrons. Sadly, with the darkened stages, many of them are now starving artists unable to afford dining out.

This does not need to be a tragedy. Steve has many friends, and hundreds have already donated to a GoFundMe campaign that was started by producer Tom D’Angora, who's determined to make this Steve's "George Bailey moment" and save the day. And just like "It's A Wonderful Life," he's aiming to make it all happen on Christmas Day in the hopes that everyone will join to give the story of the West Bank a happy ending this year.

Tom, his husband Michael, and Tim Guinne have recruited dozens of West Bank’s devoted fans to participate in a Christmas day telethon to be streamed virtually over 8 hours.  Everyone’s volunteering their time performing or just sharing stories about Steve and his iconic institution. Joe Iconis will be co-producing in addition to performing live. And here’s just a sampling of the celebs taking part: Megan Hilty, Lewis Black, Leslie Kritzer, Telly Leung, Iain Armitage Dylan Baker, Becky Ann Baker, Isaac Mizrahi, Wendell Pierce, Mary Testa, Kerry Butler, Kevin Chamberlin and Christine Pedi. That’s so far. Look for dozens more to join in over the next week. And if enough money is raised, an angel might get his wings and Steve Olsen will be able to keep his beloved restaurant. The Save West Bank Cafe Virtual Telethon will stream free of charge beginning at 12 p.m. EST on Christmas Day at http://www.savewestbankcafe.com/

“Dial M for Mask”

Tony-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell and costumer Matthew Neff joined forces to design and construct masks for the Princess Grace Foundation, which provides grants and funds for burgeoning young artists. The limited-edition face masks feature three designs inspired by Grace Kelly’s most memorable films: "Rear Window," "Dial M for Murder" and "To Catch a Thief" – along with a fourth mask featuring the Foundation’s crown logo.

In addition to raising money through the sale of the masks, the initiative hired some 20 out-of-work artisans from Broadway’s costume community who lost their jobs in the pandemic.

Since 1982. the Foundation has helped nurture the young careers of such accomplished artists as Tony Kushner, Leslie Odom Jr., Anna D. Shapiro, Oscar Isaac and Paul Tazewell, among so many others.

With a donation of $100, the limited edition masks can be purchased through this link to the Princess Grace Foundation.  

Finally, check out the Actors Fund Holiday Gift Guide to get great presents for the theater lovers in your life, while supporting those who need your help this year.

TODAY IN THEATER HISTORY

December 17, 1992: "A Christmas Carol" opens at the Broadhurst Theatre

The one-man adaption of the Dickens novel starred Sir Patrick Stewart playing more than 30 characters. The show was first performed in 1991, and returned in 1992 for 24 performances. During its 1991 debut, the show won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding One-Person Show. Stewart has also performed the piece in his native England.

Broadway at Home - This week’s theater events, available right on your computer and TV

December 17: "Homeschool Musical" Premieres on HBO Max

This documentary was put together by Broadway’s Laura Benanti and focuses on seven high school theater kids, who’ve had long-awaited shows and performances canceled due to the pandemic. It follows Benanti’s successful “Sunshine Songs” initiative, in which she invited students to send her videos of the pieces they had been looking forward to performing.

Watch the trailer here.

December 18-20: Andrea McArdle Holiday Concert Available to Stream

Broadway’s original Annie, Andrea McArdle, recorded the concert at Kean University’s Enlow Recital Hall in New Jersey. She performs holiday classics such as "White Christmas" and "It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," as well as the signature song "Tomorrow." You’ll have five chances to catch the show between the 18th and 20th.

Get your tickets here.

December 18 at 8 p.m. EST: "A Christmas Carol: A Virtual Reading"

The live reading of this holiday classic stars Raúl Esparza as Scrooge. Afterwards, there is a post-show holiday party with the cast. All ticket proceeds benefit teen programs for Primary Stages, which supports playwrights. You can also watch the reading for free from December 19-22.

Get more information here.

December 18: Release of "Coming From Inside the House"

The album is a remastered recording of Jason Robert Brown’s streaming concert from April featuring Shoshana Bean (“Waitress”, “Wicked”) and Ariana Grande. It features Bean singing "The Hardest Hill" and Grande performing "Still Hurting" from "The Last Five Years", among others.

December 19: Josh Groban Holiday Concert

The event is billed as the first ever holiday concert for Groban, who was nominated in 2017 for a Tony for his leading role in “Natsha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.” You can pay the basic fee for access to the stream, or shell out a bit more for merchandise, and access to his soundcheck.

Get tickets here.

Cryptic Playbill

Can you identify the Broadway show from this tiny piece of its Playbill? Check out next week’s Intermission for the answer.

Last week’s Cryptic Playbill was “Something Rotten.” The comedic interpretation of the world’s first musical opened on April 22, 2015 and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards - though it won only one. It closed in 2017 after 742 performances.