It all begins here, in Grand Rapids, MI in 2008, and, the fictional Herpolburg’s Department Store in 1967. Get it, Herpolsheimer's and Wurzburgs! Two local and popular Grand Rapids department stores downtown a bit ago.

The Santa Hat is, I think, going to be a Christmas classic. Produced by Teresa Thome and Patrick Ziegler of Fubble Entertainment here in Grand Rapids, an Emmy® Award winning company with  success in national entertainment television, web content development, new media based projects and live theater.

The Santa Hat has an all star cast with Ed Asner, Lucie Arnaz, and Tony Award winner Levi Kreis leading including national, regional and local talent - for first and only world wide virtual reading. Other familiar names include Gregory Jbara (Tony Award, "Billy Elliot", "Blue Bloods"), Michael Urie ("Ugly Betty" "Buyer & Cellar") and Stephen Wallem ("Nurse Jackie").There is Michigan talent too, including Rachael Ruiz of TV8 (Host: Eight West) and Michael Stewart (Grand Award Winner, "Ragtime" GR Civic Theatre) There are several other local and regional performers participating too. Emmy nominated Danny Salles directs, and Emmy-winning composer, Greg O'Connor provides the music. Grand Rapids locals, Todd Lewis edits and Fred Stella narrates.

Courtesy Fubble Entertainment
Courtesy Fubble Entertainment
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The story is about an unemployed man on the verge of losing his home and family when he is given a gift that takes him back in time where he must choose a future that will bring either financial prosperity to save the “things” in his life or forgiveness to save himself.

Everyone has donated their time as the project will raise funds for The Ed Asner Family Center, The Grand Rapids Area Combined Theatre Scholarship Fund, Gilda's Club Grand Rapids and The Actors Fund.

How can you watch it? It is available at Broadway On Demand for only $10 + a $3.95 service charge. Just go to thesantahat.com to get your ticket!

 

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