Death Takes a Holiday opens Halloween at CCT

What if Death got tired of being despised? What if he masqueraded as a man? And what if he fell in love? The lovely musical Death Takes a Holiday may answer these questions. And what better day to open such a show than Halloween?

Death Takes a Holiday, by Peter Stone and Thomas Meehan, with lyrics and music by Maury Yeston, opens October 31 and runs through November 10 at Chickasaw Civic Theatre.

The story originated in a 1924 Italian play, later translated into English, then revamped for the famed 1934 movie with Fredric March, and then revised once again as Meet Joe Black in 1998. Stone and Yeston, who collaborated on the magnificent musical Titanic (produced at CCT in the old theatre and again in the current theatre in 2012) began working on the smaller-scale Death Takes a Holiday almost immediately. Yeston’s music for this show has been likened to that of Jerome Kern—lush, lilting, and operetta-like.

Shadoe Valentin is directing the CCT production. He’s new to CCT, but well-known in the Mobile area theatre community because of his work at University of Mobile. Laura Thomason is music director, and Heidi Lemon is choreographer.

Jake Thomason appears as Prince Nikolai (and Death) and Carmen Murray as Grazia, the woman who charms him.
Also in the cast are Michael Devery, Lisa Hellman, Steve Alsip, Trish Keller, David Peeler, Wes Megginson, Caleb McKell, Katarina DeMoncrieff, Holly Moore, Adam Meshejian, Hannah Mansfield, and Rhonda Ray.

“Death Takes a Holiday is a profound exploration of what makes life truly worth living,” comments Valentin. “It’s a reminder that the simplest moments—feeling the soft petals of a rose against your skin, sensing the tickle in your ear from listening to great music, or experiencing the magic of a love’s first kiss—are the experiences that give life its richness and meaning. But at its core, this story is about love’s triumph over death. It shows us that while life is fleeting, the power of love endures beyond time and even death itself. With its luscious score, familiar characters, and unforgettable story, this show will grip your heart and leave you reflecting long after the curtain closes. It’s a celebration of life, love, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. Come discover why life’s a joy as you join us on this extraordinary journey!”