Stollen Kisses

2m, 1w, 1 either
2m 30-60; 1w 25-60; 1 either 20-45

Stollen Kisses combines elements of O. Henry stories with some original plotting to create a holiday musical that is a sequel to Bread and Butter. The two shows use the same cast: bakery owner Martha Meacham, reporter Charlie Cowan, and newly reunited siblings Karl and Kris Blumberger.

Stollen Kisses takes place a year after Bread and Butter. Formerly homeless street singer Kris has organized a group of orphans to sing on street corners for contributions. (The orphans don't appear in the show; Kris has to fill in for one who has just been adopted.) Kris lives with sibling Karl, but there is some tension between the two, due to Karl having left Kris at the orphanage years ago in order to make his way in the world. He relates some of his experiences on his journey west, drawn from O. Henry's Whistling Dick’s Christmas Stocking and A Chapparal Christmas Gift.

Encouraged by Kris, shy Charlie tries to get up the courage to propose to Martha, whom he has long admired and who seems to share his romantic feelings. Complications ensue, with Charlie failing multiple times to initiate the proposal before breaking things off due to a misunderstanding. Crestfallen Martha decides to concentrate on making her bakery profitable in a changing neighborhood, expanding its selections to include offerings from immigrant women. With a twist worthy of O. Henry, all works out well in the end.

Stollen Kisses takes place largely in a bakery shop, with a door to the outside and a door to the back room. Some of the action also occurs on the street in front of the shop. Bakery shop props (such as holiday breads and pastries) can be mimed. The action occurs over three days: Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, and New Year's Eve.

Of the four roles, one male is non-singing. Vocal ranges are not extreme, and the role of Kris can be played by either a woman or a man.

Stollen Kisses provides an hour's worth of light entertainment, with the storyline liberally leavened by sprightly holiday songs, comedy songs, and a couple of ballads.