It’s most certainly a season for recipes … but here’s one we didn’t see coming:
- An abundance of music (let’s say 15 songs)
- A generous helping of honesty
- Stir in some emotional storytelling
- Add a dash or two or three of family drama
What results is the holiday gift you never saw coming: The Lion, currently playing at Boise Contemporary Theater. And given that The Lion is BCT’s 101st production, it is also a bit of a milestone.
“There’s a universality to it,” says BCT Producing Artistic Director Benjamin Burdick. “Guiding us through it is the incomparable Jake Allen, who is an absolute wizard on the six guitars he plays.”
For the record, there is no wizardry, but to be sure, there is plenty of magic. And it’s impossible not to embrace the intersection of family and Christmastime.
“During the holidays, I always find myself reflecting on those bonds with family. And I’m sure everybody does,” said Allen. “And for me, being away from my family, yet being able to reflect on the holidays from afar… well, it’s an interesting dynamic.”
For now, Allen is spending the holiday season with a second family – the cast and producing crew of BCT, and audiences which have filled the downtown Boise theater since The Lion opened earlier this month (performances continue through December 21).
Morning Edition host George Prentice paid a backstage visit to Allen at BCT, who reflects on a show that may well be the perfect recipe for the holidays.
Find reporter George Prentice @georgepren
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