A new University of Kansas musical will tap into a dark side of the holiday season.
The University Theatre’s upcoming production of “Milking Christmas” is a comedic show with cheerful musical numbers for all ages.
When Macey Maid-a-Milking, the main character, starts noticing operations in Christmastown are off — like toys being produced wrong, and lumps of coal being produced at an all-time high — she sets her sights on saving Christmas.
The musical’s storyline uses “self-aware humor” with a “satirical message on capitalism and corporate greed,” according to a KU news release.
“This production is not recommended to those who wish to maintain their belief in the goodness of Santa Claus,” the production webpage states as a comedic disclaimer.
“Milking Christmas, A New Musical” is composed by Ryan McCall, KU Department of Theatre and Dance faculty member, in collaboration with Friend Dog Studios. McCall serves as the musical director, and Michelle Miller, a KU lecturer, is the director.
Miller praised McCall for empowering students to add their own influences into the final script.
“It’s been a joy to watch students generate and own every inflection without an ounce of mimicry and confidently ad lib comedic lines with bravery,” Miller said in the release. “I am so incredibly proud and sincerely hope those living in and around Lawrence come to campus to meet the people of Christmastown.”
“Milking Christmas” was originally produced and developed by The Living Room Theatre in Kansas City for showings in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, according to the release.
Tickets to the in-person performances are sold out, KU Theatre announced Tuesday afternoon; however, the performances at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 will be available to watch online via livestream. Tickets for the livestream are sold per device at the same rates as in-person tickets, and they can be purchased via showtix4u.com.
Tickets cost $20 for adults, $10 for children, $15 for KU faculty and staff, $10 for KU students and $15 for seniors.
Wait lists for seats in the Inge Theatre will begin an hour prior to the show opening. Those who are interested can put their names in at the box office when they arrive at Murphy Hall, 1530 Naismith Drive on KU’s campus. See the list of show times at this link.
Visit kutheatre.com/milking-christmas to see the creative team and cast members list and to learn more about the production.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison (at) lawrencekstimes (dot) com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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