Darien Santa and Mrs. Santa Claus Celebrate 25 Years of Jolly Cheer

Submitted by Ginny Richardson Public Relations.

Tricia and Michael Boren of Darien are making merry for the 25th year as Santa and Mrs. Claus delighting crowds at too many holiday parties to count. They’ve appeared at hospitals, retirement communities and private homes, always to rave reviews.

At a young age, Michael went from a redhead to a member of the “Irish Blonde Club.” Today his hair and beard are very white and very real.

“He’s kind and sweet, and the kids love him,” Tricia said. “He was born on Dec. 6 which is St. Nicholas’s birthday, too. Then he married me, the entertainer. I believe he was destined to be Santa Claus.”

“The kids in my extended family range from age 3 to 12,” said Ginny Richardson of Burr Ridge. “When Santa and Mrs. Claus rang the doorbell and came in singing, the three-year-olds were shy and the 12-year-olds were embarrassed. Ten minutes later, the little ones were waiting in a line to sit on Santa’s lap, and the older kids forgot to be ‘cool,’ and joined in the fun. It was the best holiday kick off we’ve ever had.”

Throughout December, Santa and Mrs. Claus have become a tradition for many families. Quick-witted, funny and full of youthful energy, Mrs. Claus (Tricia) runs the family business - Madison Entertainment. She believes in being prepared and being on time.

“On Christmas Eve, we go to homes for half hour visits,” Tricia said. “We enter carrying presents (provided by the grown-ups and stashed outdoors) and singing Santa Claus is Coming to Town followed by Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Jingle Bells. We never skip the singing, because it serves an important purpose; it allows the youngest ones to relax and be comfortable with us.”

Being Santa has become part of Michael’s identity. People recognize him as Santa all year round. Strangers say, ‘Hi Santa’ and ask for things.

“Watching all the faces light up - from babies to great grandparents - fills our hearts up for the rest of the year,” Tricia said. “We both agree that the biggest perk for us as Santa and Mrs. Claus is that we give a piece of our heart away and it always comes back in full.”

The skinny on Mrs. Claus

Most people who know Tricia can’t believe she was a shy child. As a kid comfortable at home, however, she was silly and regularly put on shows for her family. Eventually, all traces of shyness departed. For example, in her freshman year at LTHS, on a whim, Tricia dressed up as Santa Claus and passed out mini candy canes.

“I guess I liked the attention,” she said.

After an experience volunteering at her cousin’s summer camp for developmentally disabled teens, Tricia, age 16, knew she wanted to work with people with special needs. In college she learned sign language and worked part-time with SEASPAR. She interned at The Chicago Hearing Society.

In 1985, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Services with an emphasis in Recreation Therapy from George Williams College, Downers Grove.

“It’s a gift to work with special populations,” Tricia said. “I didn’t start acting until college. My first character role was Mrs. Pentrano in “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little” at George Williams College. I won a “Georgie” for that role, and that was it. I was hooked.”

An actor with the Theatre of Western Springs since 1997, she has played the title role in “Merry Christmas, Strega Nona;” Olive in “The Odd Couple Female Version;” Francesca, the Italian speaking maid in “The Enchanted April:” and the wife in “Dead Man’s Cell Phone.” She has been seen in Chicago’s “Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding” and as Sister Hubert in “Nunsense.” In addition, she teaches the Art of Clowning at the Children’s Theatre of Western Springs.

Tricia has great rapport with all ages. Besides playing Mrs. Claus in December, she has been hired to entertain at block parties, birthday parties and family picnics as a court jester, gorilla, nun, frog, shark, pirate, leprechaun or as her mainstay – Polka Dotti the Clown.

In the corporate world, she excels at team building. Personalized singing telegrams are a specialty, and she makes a big hoopla presenting her hand-made flower bouquets.

“I always try to give clients, friends and family my creativity, joy and zest for living in the moment,” she said.

For more information, go to: www.madisonentertainment.net or call 630-817-8661.