A Note from the Playwright of The Last Christmas by Tyler Johnson Grimes
Playwright Tyler Johnson Grimes (right) during the final dress rehearsal of New City Players’ production of The Last Christmas.
I love each and every Christmas. The sentimental ones. The funny ones. The lonely ones. The ones you find in a church. The ones you find on a bottle of Coca-Cola. The ones that end with a lost child in New York City defeating armed robbers with the help of a kindly stranger and hundreds of pigeons in Central Park. Time and time again I find myself drawn to that special time of year where the lights are a little brighter, the smiles are a little warmer, and the hugs last a little longer. It’s a time for honoring past traditions and making new ones, and I am glad you’ve made The Last Christmas a part of your tradition this year.
When we started with Joe Landry’s live radio play adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life in 2022, none of us thought we’d be mounting a third play in the WNCP-universe in 2024, let alone that it would be written by me. Third entries in a trilogy are tough (few people’s favorite movie of all-time is Return of the Jedi), but I love where we’ve landed with this play. We’ve left the world of live radio plays behind, but we’ve done so by digging deeper into the world of radio right near the end of the 20th century (yes, it’s set in 1999, because what’s a little Christmas chaos without the looming threat of Y2K?).
The world is about to change, and the idea of people reaching out into the darkness to talk to someone on the radio are about to be left behind for chat rooms and social media and dating apps. There’s something beautifully human about the idea of people calling in, baring their souls to a stranger behind a microphone, all while the rest of the world is busy decking halls or arguing over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it is, btw, grow up). And what of the folks who are brave enough to pick up the phone and listen? I think we could all benefit from doing a little more listening.
Caroline Tarantolo during the epic lightsaber battle in New City Players’ production of The Last Christmas.
I’m endlessly grateful to be a part of the team that has brought these last three Christmas stories to life onstage and behind the scenes. Theater is a wild, messy, miraculous thing, and it wouldn’t exist without the hard work, talent, and dedication of so many people willing to give their time during some of the busiest weeks of the year. And to you, the audience, thank you for being here and for watching. You’re part of this play’s heartbeat, and have just as big a role in WNCP as any of us.
I hope you love The Last Christmas like I love each and every Christmas. I hope it makes you laugh, shed a tear or two, and remember the power of connection—even when it’s messy or unexpected. And if you leave wanting to check on an old friend, well, that’s even better.
THE LAST CHRISTMAS by Tyler Johnson Grimes
A World Premiere
Directed by Timothy Mark Davis
The Last Christmas invites you to once again tune-in to WNCP Radio. It's December 24, 1999, and Eve Hart finds herself alone at the mic for the first time, filling in for the legendary host of Calling Claire. As anonymous callers share memories of love, loss, and a little holiday magic, Eve and her close-knit crew of radio misfits discover that sometimes the heart of Christmas isn't wrapped in a bow—it’s found in unexpected moments and imperfect connections. Set against a backdrop of Y2K jitters and 90s nostalgia, this third and final entry in our WNCP trilogy reminds us that even in the face of uncertainty, a shared story can help us all find our way home.
WHEN
December 6-22, 2024
PRICE
$40 Ticket
$25 Student Ticket
Make sure to plan your visit after booking tickets!