Suffield Players

Holly, Jolly, and Hilarious: 8 Ways to Survive the Holidays! A Benefit You Don’t Want to Miss

This December, The Suffield Players invite audiences to laugh their way through the season with 8 Ways to Survive the Holidays, a spirited comedy by Don Zolidis presented as the theatre’s annual Holiday Benefit for its Hope–Hearth–Happiness season. Performances will take place December 12, 13, and 14 at Mapleton Hall.

Directed collaboratively by Becca Coolong, Mary Fernandez-Sierra, Konrad Rogowski and Kelly Seip, this year’s benefit blends heart, humor and holiday mayhem in a collection of short sketches that celebrate the joy (and occasional chaos) of the festive season.

Four Directors, One Merry Mission

Each director brings their own perspective to the eight comedic vignettes, which highlight everything from disastrous family photos to impossible gift lists and culinary catastrophes—all threaded together by a pair of narrators trying their best to keep the holiday madness under control.

Director Becca Coolong describes the project as a joyful reunion of creativity and friendship: “I was drawn to this production because I was looking forward to the opportunity to work with so many people I love,” Coolong said. “As we head into the holiday season, the thing that is most important to me is connecting and creating with my people. 8 Ways to Survive the Holidays is a collection of silly and light-hearted sketches that allow us to work together in fun and joy!”

For Mary Fernandez-Sierra, the Holiday Benefit is a chance to go “no-holds-barred” with comedy and creativity: “I love directing The Players’ Holiday Benefits for the opportunity to direct over-the-top crazy comedy,” she shared. “It’s pure fun to have so many folks together in a relaxed atmosphere to laugh and have a wonderful time!”

Fernandez-Sierra also praised the easy collaboration among the directing team: “All four directors have worked together before, so there’s a lot of trust in each other’s abilities. We’re similar in our approaches—we all run a tight-but-fun ship! We communicate constantly and help each other solve potential problems ahead of time—like how to make Proton Blasters from scratch for one of my scenes involving The Ghostbusters!”

Balancing Humor and Heart

Though each vignette bursts with laughter, the directors agree that heart remains at the center of the show.

Coolong noted, “You can’t have humor without heart! We want to make these pieces relatable so everyone can find a bit of themselves somewhere in the stories.”

Rogowski added that laughter unites both cast and audience: “These are silly characters doing silly things—and that’s the joy of it!” he said. “We all face the same holiday chaos, but humor helps us step back, breathe, and remember the true heart of the season.”

Fernandez-Sierra agreed, emphasizing that the scripts themselves strike the perfect balance: “Each script shines a spotlight on the stressful side of our most common holiday experiences—family photos, big meals, decorations, gift-giving—and reveals how those stresses can be handled in humorous, unconventional ways. It’s cleverly and insightfully written, so it’s easy for all the actors to relate.”

Community and Connection on Stage

In keeping with The Suffield Players’ long-standing spirit of community, 8 Ways to Survive the Holidays brings together a vibrant mix of seasoned performers and newcomers. One cast member shared that his favorite part of the production has been meeting and collaborating with both new and returning actors in a relaxed, low-pressure environment that encourages creativity and connection.

He described the atmosphere as reminiscent of The Players’ New Faces Program—a welcoming opportunity for artists to learn, grow, and become part of the larger theatre family. Among his fellow performers is a newcomer appearing onstage for only her second time, inspired to audition by her son, who performed in A Few Good Men last winter. Her enthusiasm and dedication, he noted, have brought an inspiring sense of discovery to the ensemble.

Moments like these highlight how The Suffield Players continue to build connections through creativity—making the Holiday Benefit not only a show, but a celebration of artistic community.

The Heart of the Benefit

The annual Holiday Benefit is one of The Suffield Players’ most beloved traditions—combining laughter, generosity, and community spirit. Proceeds from the event support the theatre’s ongoing artistic programming, scholarships, and accessibility efforts as part of its Hope–Hearth–Happiness 2025–2026 season.

When asked how they personally “survive the holidays,” the directors were quick to share their own wisdom:

Coolong: “Pie… lots and lots of pie.”
Rogowski: “Remember the real purpose of each holiday and enjoy being with the people with whom you share them.”
Fernandez-Sierra: “Be grateful for everything that happens and throw yourself into it all with a good heart.”

Event Details

What: 8 Ways to Survive the Holidays by Don Zolidis – Holiday Benefit Performance
When: December 12, 13, and 14*, 2025 (Sunday matinee marked with an asterisk)
Where: Mapleton Hall, 1305 Mapleton Avenue, Suffield, Conn,
Tickets: No reservations required; donations welcome at the door
Info: www.suffieldplayers.org

This December, come laugh, smile, and celebrate the community at The Suffield Players’ 8 Ways to Survive the Holidays—proof that the best way to make it through the season is with humor, heart, and a room full of friends.