Edinburgh Fringe is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Chriskirkpatrickmas this year. This heartwarming show, blending elements of beloved classics like “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through the eyes of a boy band member reflecting on their past. We spoke to Taylor J Williams, the talented music director and arranger responsible for the original music in the production.
Describing Chriskirkpatrickmas as a cozy, holiday-style piece exploring themes of friendship, self-reflection, and the bittersweet nostalgia of a bygone era, Williams painted a vivid picture of the story. The narrative revolves around Chris Kirkpatrick, a member of the popular boyband NSYNC.
Williams explained, “We follow Chris Kirkpatrick getting ready for a holiday party, and everybody he bumps into wonders if Justin Timberlake is coming to the party.” Through this lens, the production delves into the complexities of their friendship, examining the highs and lows in a heart-warming and inviting atmosphere.
When asked about his initial reaction to the show’s premise, Tayor shared, “It hit a sweet spot for me as somebody who grew up in the nineties with NSYNC and boy bands. Love them or hate them, they’re definitely a part of the Zeitgeist and they were around us.”
The show pays homage to the old Christmas specials, capturing a nostalgic feel while maintaining a cozy tone. Taylor explained, “They wanted a sound that felt intimate and sort of felt low budget in a fun way. No cut corners. Just to capture nostalgia and the warm and fuzzy.”
Having previously worked on larger-scale musicals, including Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Moulin Rouge, Taylor is excited to be involved in a smaller production like Chriskirkpatrickmas. “It’s always a treat to work on a smaller show. You really get to focus on the craft. You feel like maybe you get to contribute a little more as a member, rather than just pulling your weight in a specific lane.” The intimacy of the production allows each team member to contribute their expertise and passion, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
As our conversation turned to Edinburgh Fringe itself, Taylor is excited to be attending the festival for the first time. Acknowledging the festival’s storied reputation for launching successful shows, saying, “It’s such a well-respected festival, and I really am thrilled to be a part of it.”
Beyond the festival, Taylor is eager to explore Edinburgh and become immersed in the vibrant atmosphere, and is excited about the potential for unexpected sources of inspiration during his time at the Fringe.
Taylor says that a pitch to potential audience members might sound something like, “If you want to go and take a time machine back to the ’90s and enjoy characters that you love, and you enjoy heart-warming uplifting stories, and you are looking forward to what might be the next big thing in musical theatre, then I think we’ve got what you’re looking for.”
More information about Chriskirkpatrickmas can be found here
