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Date: 12/5/2018
AGAWAM – For almost two decades, Phantom Sheep Players have elicited holiday spirit in the community with the performance of their annual LaughCrafters Holiday Show. The comedy troupe will return to the Agawam Public Library on Dec. 17 for an improv holiday themed performance.
Phantom Sheep Players are composed of Western Massachusetts natives Eric Boucher, Devin Horan, Jessica Lamoureaux, Tommy Lynch, Jesse Redmond, Greg Seymour and Jeff Tingley.
Improv is a form of theatre that’s slightly different from a scripted play. Boucher explained, “We do short form improv. This includes games and scenes from the audience throughout the show. It has a structure much like the television show, Who’s Line Is It Anyway.”
While Phantom Sheep Players always have a general idea of how many characters will be included in the scene, the subject is unique and audience interaction will determine which direction each holiday-themed scene will go. Examples of themes from past shows include “Carol Battle” and “Mrs. Claus’ Storybook.”
The holiday show has been a staple for the Phantom Sheep Players since 2000. The show originally began as a television broadcast and was performed in coffee shops and theatres. Since 2009, the Agawam Public Library has hosted the performance. Boucher shared, “The Agawam Public Library has been kind to us in hosting our show every year.”
Boucher shared that he has enjoyed performing the holiday show each year. “The holiday show is a lot of fun for us because the holidays in general are just a parody and satirized. We perform everything from family gatherings, gift giving, the stories of A Christmas Carol and Frosty the Snowman. The holidays and Christmas have always been a lot of fun.”
Boucher feels that the community can benefit from coming to the LaughCrafters Holiday Show as a break from stress. “It’s a great way to escape all of the stress of shopping and school finals. This is a time to come out and laugh with your family. It’s on a Monday, there’s no excuse to not come out and laugh.”
The Phantom Sheep Players became friends after meeting in places including college and while working at Six Flags. The current troupe has worked together for over 15 years on producing, writing and performing shows. Phantom Sheep Players host private and public events, working closely with schools, libraries and theme parks.
The team also offers workshops and classes. They have worked with the Springfield Jewish Community Center since 2014 and will be teaching their next session of classes starting in February 2019. Classes are expected to be $86 and members of the JCC receive a discount. Each session is six weeks long and sessions are hosted five times per year.
The LaughCrafters Holiday Show is a free event and is open to the public. The event will take place Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St. For more information on Phantom Sheep, please visit www.phantomsheep.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/phntmsheep.