And the winner of the best longest Fringe title* is? *(For now).
Chriskirkpatrickmas: A Boy Band Christmas Musical
Have you ever wanted to see Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol meet It’s a Wonderful Life? With some NSYNC thrown in for good measure? If you said no, tough.
Christmas Eve 2009: seven years into the world-famous boy band’s indefinite “hiatus”, NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick has until the stroke of midnight to make a wish which could possibly change his life forever.
An ensemble tour-de-force, and featuring twelve original songs, with heaps of 90s nostalgia, this parody musical experience has musical direction from Taylor J Williams (Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!) and sound design by Josh Millican (The Band’s Visit, Six).
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
We’re Valen Shore and Alison Zatta of Pacey’s Creek, two best friends who like to make each other laugh and are really committed to the bit this time. Chriskirkpatrickmas is an original musical comedy inspired by Chris Kirkpatrick from *NSYNC. Our story begins on Christmas Eve 2009, 7 years after *NSYNC went on their infamous “hiatus” when Chris is given the chance to make a wish that could change his life forever. Think boy bands, holiday magic, and a ton of 90s nostalgia.
Tell us about the creative team and process involved?
Valen is a musician and writer whose songs have been featured on Riverdale, The Vampire Diaries, Lucifer, Pretty Little Liars, and The Sims 4; and Alison is an award-winning writer, actor, and filmmaker. We wrote the lyrics and book together; Valen composed the music and Alison polished the book. Then sound designer Joshua Millican (SIX The Musical, The Band’s Visit) came onboard, and Joshua introduced us to Taylor J. Williams (Hamilton; Moulin Rouge!; Ain’t No Mo), who created the orchestral arrangements and is now our music director. Our cast is a multi-talented group of female and non-binary actors we’ve known and worked with on several projects in the past: Elizabeth Ho (Joey), Emily Lambert (Lou), Mia-Carina Mollicone (JC), Nicole Wyland (Justin), and Riley Rose Critchlow (Lance), who is also our assistant director.
How does it feel to return to the Fringe?
This is our first Fringe. It’s thrilling and a bit overwhelming but we’re excited to jump in and go with the flow.
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
We haven’t confirmed this yet, but we may be one of the first musicals to feature a famous band but not use any of their famous music. That, and multi-colored camo pants.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping for the audience to take away?
A greater understanding of where Justin Timberlake was emotionally in 2002.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…?
Hannah Waddingham, the entire cast of FRIENDS, and Valen’s high school biology teacher.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
We haven’t been back to Edinburgh together in over a decade so we’ll definitely be revisiting some of our old haunts like Jazz Bar, Princes Street Gardens, and the Domino’s on Dalry Road. We’re excited for so many shows! Two in particular are Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder (each of which feature in our top picks for Theatre and Returning Shows)
In your ideal world, how can we improve the world of the Fringe, of performance, and the industry?
Coming over from the United States, accommodation was our biggest hurdle. We support anything that will improve access so more people can take part and share their stories.
