ENGLEWOOD, Fla. — Lemon Bay Playhouse will bring a touch of holiday magic to the stage when “A Christmas Tail” opens on December 3 and runs through December 21, 2025. The production, written by playwright Joe Simonelli, tells the story of a mystical cat, a little girl and a Christmas Eve encounter that changes a man’s life.
Directed by Bob LaSalle and stage managed by Donna Hadley, the play centers on Ralph Minetti, a struggling New York City butcher who has lost faith in nearly everything. His fortunes take an unexpected turn when a young girl named Amanda visits the shop to see Gus, the bow tie wearing cat who, according to Ralph, begins to talk every Christmas Eve. The encounter sparks a journey that forces Ralph to confront his past, including a long estrangement from his daughter and mounting pressure from suppliers and the mob.
The cast includes Jim Manns as Frankie, Tom Athens as Carlos, Jill Houghton as Barbara, Leo Dominique as Tom, Alisha Hunter as Beth, Mike Gilbert as Ralph and Laura Null as Sally. Young performers Lily Neckerman and Molly Gibson appear as Amanda.
Tickets are on sale for thirty dollars. The box office at 96 West Dearborn Street in Englewood is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are also available at LemonBayPlayhouse.com.
