Music of the Season and More

Jessica Medoff and Michael Bunchman have only been married since summer, but as musicians they have been wed since the instant they became aware of one another more than four years ago. It is that extraordinary artistic blend they will offer for the first time in concert on the afternoon of December 9; A Victorian Holiday to be presented as part of The Northeast Theatre’s Spruce St. Cabaret. Their music will be complimented by a variety of pastries and warm beverage typical of the turn of the last century, prepared by actress (and trained pastry chef) Heather Stuart. The party will take place in a private residence in Scranton’s Hill Section decorated for the winter holidays with fresh evergreen.

Jessica is a professional opera singer and cabaret artist of the new school of vocalist trained to embrace both the classical and popular repertoires. She has performed at Aspen Opera Theatre Center and Lake George Opera, among others. Michael is an accomplished classical pianist, has performed widely, and is on the faculty of The Music Conservatory of Westchester. They have created this concert specially, as a benefit for The Northeast Theatre.

“The idea came to us the minute we entered the house,” relates Jessica. “We saw this place and thought, what a great setting for a salon, for an intimate gathering for the holidays.” They mentioned the idea to various people at The Northeast Theatre where Jessica was performing her cabaret, The Truth About Love (and some of the usual lies), and it was met with instant enthusiasm. “Heather offered to apply her remarkable skills as a baker, David suggested warm punch, Will Chamberlin said he would gather evergreen from his place in Montrose, and Pat Dunleavy and Carmon Flynn will dress as 19th century servants to keep it all flowing. What fun!”

The party will begin at 3, with music at 4. Tickets ($30 to the general public) are available only in advance at the box office (570-558-1515) or online at www.thenortheasttheatre.us. Directions to the event’s location will be given after tickets have been purchased.

“We hope that people will hear holiday music they have never heard before, as well as music that is familiar,” says Jessica. “We love the holidays, and being so far from our respective families, they are especially precious to us. Sharing music for the holidays is a way of making them special, warm, and intimate; it’s a little like being at home. I hope lots of people will join us for this beautiful concert, and support this wonderful theatre while they’re at it.”