Guilty Christmas at the Valhalla Boathouse - funny parody on life in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Just as the original "Guilty Pleasures" did in 2002, "Guilty Christmas" is the ultimate parody of life at South Lake Tahoe.

A talented group of performers presents the play at the Valhalla Boathouse Theater, but you'll have to hurry if you want to catch it as the last performances are November 19 and November 20 (tickets can be purchased here).

David Hamilton and Mark Williams, the geniuses behind the script and music, touch on characters and themes you'll find familiar in life on the south shore in the songs and script. They poke fun at single male ski bums, city council, TRPA, and vacation home rentals (you'll find a lot of VHR references in the script). There is a winter driving scene that most locals will find relatable and funny.

"The Twelve Days of COVID" was very creative, and the Scrooge-like act that follows a developer through Tahoe Past, Tahoe Present, and Tahoe Future.

"Guilty Christmas" was scheduled for the last two years, but COVID-19 prompted cancelation in 2020, then the large snowstorm and power outage in 2021 once again pushed it out.

Those of us attending opening day on Wednesday were treated to its triumphant return.

The play picks up where "Guilty Pleasures" left off, but one doesn't need to know that first play/musical to enjoy this production. In 2002, the play centered on a group of individuals who had been given permission to perform a show as part of their community service (received for a hilarious variety of minor offenses) by a progressive Tahoe judge. There were hit numbers about living in and visiting Tahoe, such as the “Keep Tahoe Blues,” “Living on Tahoe Time” and the “TRPA.”

Fast-forward twenty years and those offenders (who are older and not necessarily wiser) are back with the judge at Christmas time, and another show is planned.

The grand finale is all of the cast members singing a smashup of almost every Christmas song you've ever heard.

The show is created, directed, and produced by David Hamilton. Mark D. Williams did the music orchestration and direction.

The talented ensemble includes Sharon Kerrigan (Deanne), Pam (Linda) and Chris Taylor (Chad), Anita Kelly (Judge Kerry Bings), Kurt Munger (Dick Wacker), Liz Tonkinson (Summer), Jeff Whitt (Bob), Joanie SanAgustin (Pamela) as well as Mark D. Williams (Dillon). Moxie Fox is the sound technician.

Don't miss it. The play starts at 7:30 p.m., and doors open at 7. There is a recommendation to arrive at 7 as it is cold waiting outside. The Vahalla Boathouse is located at 1 Valhalla Road, South Lake Tahoe, just north of Camp Richardson on SR89.

In the photo above, left to right starting in the upper left: Anita Kelly, Liz Tonkinson, Mark Williams, Pam Taylor, Kurt Munger, Joanie SanAgustin, Sharon Kerrigan, Chris Taylor, and Jeff Whitt.