Second Street Players is inviting directors to bring holiday magic to the stage as it opens applications for its 2026 holiday production of Fruitcakes, a beloved seasonal comedy-drama known for its warmth, eccentric humor, and heart.
The play, written by Julian Wiles, is a lively blend of holiday chaos and emotional reconciliation. Set in a small Southern town bursting at the seams with Christmas spirit, Fruitcakes combines farce and feeling in equal measure. The story features a memorable cast of characters, including two aging Southern spinsters, an estranged old man, and a runaway teenager named Jamie, whose unexpected arrival becomes the catalyst for healing and connection.
According to the theater, Fruitcakes is anything but a quiet Christmas tale. The script famously calls for three dozen Christmas trees, more than 10,000 outdoor lights, a chicken pox outbreak, a missing cat named Tutti Frutti, and even a Christmas hog named Buster. The result is a fast-paced, often hilarious holiday spectacle that gradually reveals deeper themes of belonging and compassion.
“On the surface, this town looks absolutely ‘nuttier than fruitcakes,’” a spokesperson said. “But underneath the comedy is a deeply moving story about people who feel forgotten finding family where they least expect it.”
At the heart of the play is Jamie, a young runaway who arrives in town after traveling as far as his limited money will take him. Initially wary and judgmental, Jamie slowly comes to admire the town’s residents and the unconventional kindness they show one another. The narrative explores themes of alienation, understanding, and reconciliation—making it a perennial favorite for holiday audiences seeking both laughter and meaning.
Second Street Players is accepting applications from directors interested in staging the 2026 holiday show. Two separate applications are available: one for first-time directors at SSP and another for those who have previously directed with the company. Applications can be found on the theater’s website and must be submitted by February 22, 2026. Interviews will take place the following week, beginning February 23, 2026.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the SSP Directors Committee via email.
In keeping with its mission, Second Street Players emphasized its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, noting that it values inclusive practices in casting and throughout all aspects of production.
With its combination of festive excess, quirky humor, and emotional sincerity, Fruitcakes offers directors a chance to craft a holiday production that resonates across generations—making the 2026 season an especially appealing opportunity for creative leadership.
