A Nutcracker Panto

Written by Edward F. Speck
Directed by Edward F. Speck and Joshua Shack

December 12th through December 21st
At the Firehouse Center for the Arts

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The Creative Team:

Edward F. Speck, Director and Playwright

EDWARD F. SPECK has served as the Artistic Director of Theater in the Open since 2009. He has been seen in TITO shows for the past 25 years, including Metamorphoses, The Tempest, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Medea, and Much Ado About Nothing, and every Panto the theater has produced. He is a proud member of Exit Dance Theatre.

Joshua Shack, Director

Joshua Shack has co-directed the Pantos for Theater in the Open since 2014; this production is his 20th collaboration with TitO. Josh decided to become a clown when he was just three years old, and at age nine, he began performing his solo show at many local events. As a teenager, he toured for four summers with Circus Smirkus. He then toured nationally as a clown with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. 

He is a co-creator and performer of The Piccolini Trio and directed their critically acclaimed stage show Circus in a Trunk. Other directing credits include Out of Orbit at The Theater at Saint Peter’s in New York City; Nothing but Nonsense, a variety musical comedy at Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI; and the Circus Smirkus 2024 Big Top Tour The Imaginarium.

He is a teaching artist-in-residence for Circus Smirkus and has served in a dozen different roles with the company, including Production Manager, Director of Programming, and Associate Artistic Director.

Christina Bauer, Music Director

CHRIS BAUER is thrilled to be involved as a Music Director for the Panto this winter! It's a dream come true to work with the TiTO crew. The Christmas Panto has been a holiday tradition in her house for many years and she is so excited to be a part of it. Chris loves all things music (and theater too!). She is a local Voice & Piano teacher and directs a youth ensemble for the Greater Newburyport Children's Chorus. May all of your Holidays be filled with joy, love, and beautiful Music!