Review: Theater Artists Olympia's 'Festive Spirits'
Originally published on The JOLT News on December 23, 2025
What made my spirit bright last weekend was attending the sold out “Festive Spirits” events held by Theater Artists Olympia (TAO). Seeing this company’s success brought me good cheer because they are a company so worthy of it — always thinking outside the box, bringing intentional and quirky shows to the stage, inviting and encompassing so many actors in our area. This event captured all of that.
Round of applause
You might have read about the Festive Spirits event in my column earlier this month, and it was really rewarding to see TAO’s vision come to life. This yuletide ghost story reading was woven together cleverly with solo and ensemble pieces, classic story readings and story theatre. The acting and storytelling from the ensemble were superb, the story selection was nuanced, and the overall ambience enabled me to travel back to yesteryear.
Every member of the cast was superb in their craft, harnessing a nostalgic magic with each word spoken and every facial expression; their dedication was evident. Dennis Rolly’s reading and performance of “The Cremation of Sam McGee” was divine, completely perfect and appropriate for the story. Dennis Worrell added a playful jolliness to every story he read and participated in. Lesley Gordon captured the eerie tone of her stories with her facial expressions and tone of her voice, adding intrigue to every one of her readings, especially “The Old Portrait.” Teresita Brimms had a sort of charm that was really delightful and fun to watch in all of her readings.
The mood was set with light blue lighting on the stage, old fashioned lanterns at each table, and the cast in Victorian attire. The program itself was created with an old-fashioned font and printed on a thinner paper reminiscent of old, tanned paper.
All of this matched the Christmas Ghost Story program had just the right level of thrill to not completely terrify, but to give you goosebumps. My mom and I are both self-proclaimed weenies, but we loved this event. “Festive Spirits” enhanced our Christmas spirit, did not get any nightmares, and inspired discussion and story sharing throughout the weekend.
Recommended readings
One of the best parts of this event was getting to hear and learn about stories I have never heard about before. It felt good to expand my horizons, and now I have stories that I look forward to revisiting in future holiday seasons.
Below, you will find all the stories within the program along with links where you can listen to some of these narrations online. Granted, it will not be the same (or nearly as good) as seeing our local actors perform it, but it will allow you to experience a glimmer of the magic from home. My personal favorites included “The Cremation of Sam McGee,” “Man-Size in Marble,” “A Christmas Meeting” and “Ether Hogs.” There is no link for "Ether Hogs."
Dear Santa: Christmas Wishes for TAO
Dearest Santa, I ask that you continue to inspire TAO and encourage them to do ghost story readings again because it was really fun. I would even be happy with non-ghost story readings. Either way, I just want to add TAO to my list of Christmas traditions.
Santa dear, while you are at it, TAO is looking for the next generation of actors. Please bring them actors ages 30 and under.
When in doubt Mr. Claus, TAO (like the rest of the arts organizations in our area) could always use extra finances, and that is so they can continue to make really great shows. Do you have any extras in your yuletide piggy bank?
If nothing else, Santa would you please bring TAO a permanent home for Christmas so that they would be able to thrive and function in a more sustainable way, and continue to bless our community with such powerful productions?
Where you cannot act Santa, give us all a little extra Christmas spirit in our hearts so that we may choose to be generous all year round.
If my letter to Santa spoke to your heart, visit the TAO website to learn how you can give them items on this wishlist and more.
https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/review-theater-artists-olympias-festive-spirits,27462