Fenyes Mansion Features Original Theatrical Presentation

“December 12, 1904,” an Edwardian comedy, commissioned especially for the Fenyes Mansion’s 2004 Holiday Open House, is the centerpiece of an afternoon of festivities throughout the Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut St. on Dec. 12, from 1 to 4 p.m.

Performances of “December 12, 1904,” by writer and director Leslie K. Gray, will take place at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The 25-minute work uses the Mansion’s studio as its stage to explore early Pasadena lifestyles, East Coast perceptions of the “wild west,” the women’s suffrage movement and the age-old battle of the sexes.

It is a visit by formidable Aunt Prudence, who is coming to Pasadena from New York to spend the 1904 holiday season with her nephew, William, and his wife, Eleanor, that sparks the action.

Veteran actress Dena Dietrich sets the pace as the initially unwelcome visitor.

Dietrich has appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon’s “Prisoner of Second Avenue” and “Funny Girl,” made over 200 guest appearances on television and is still remembered for her commercial turn as Mother Nature.

Emmy award-winning actress, singer and dancer Barbara Keegan is Eleanor, and David St. James, known for his appearances on numerous television series, including “The West Wing,” “Alias,” “ER” and “Frasier,” among others, is William. Award-winning playwright Gray has served as artist in residence at the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.

Additional holiday festivities will take place throughout the Museum’s two-acre campus. Young visitors can experience childhood 100 years ago at “A Jolly Christmas at the Patterprints,” during Interactive Story Theatre with Brad MacNeil and Valerie Weich in the Curtin House. Santa will make a guest appearance for photos and a special chat.

Performances by the Arroyo Seco Singers/Madrigals 2005, directed by Michael Gray, featuring pianist and guitarist Tim Callobre and duo pianists Joseph and Renee Chang, will have the music of the season resounding throughout the mansion and in the History Center Galleries, where guests may view the current “Flowing Waters, Fruitful Valley” exhibits.

Altadena-based artist Kären Bagnard will preside over a boutique of her fanciful fine arts products in the Giddings Room.

The Finlandia Foundation will host a traditional Finnish Country Christmas in the Finnish Folk Art Museum/Tupa.

The Museum Store kicks off “Members Appreciation Week” with extra discounts on all merchandise, including official Rose Bowl Game and Rose Parade items.

Admission is free for children and museum members. Admission is $10 for nonmembers. Free parking is available in the museum lot (enter on Walnut Street) and in the Avery Dennison lot just east of the museum on Walnut Sreet. Reservations are required. For reservations, call 626-577-1660, ext. 10. For more information, call 626-577-1660, ext. 10 or visit www.pasadenahistory.org.