A North Pole Adventure

’Twas the Night Before Christmas – Emerald City Theatre

 

From our childhood, we’re all familiar with the beloved holiday poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas.” It was written in the early 19th century by Clement Moore. The narrative verse is told by an insomniac father who, unbeknownst to everyone else in his household, hears a noise outside and hides in the shadows to watch their midnight visitor. On that Christmas Eve, the man secretly enjoys “the jolly old elf” who brings presents to good little boys and girls. The poem is responsible for originating most of the well-known features that we associate with Santa Claus, to this day. Moore described every physical characteristic of the philanthropic gentleman, who was “dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,” and whose “round little belly shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.” The poet told of a kindly, old man traveling in an air-borne sleigh, drawn by eight tiny reindeer. He describes how good St. Nick arrives via the fireplace and quickly fills all the stockings that “are hung by chimney, with care.”

But in this delightful comedy, which makes a popular return to Emerald City, playwright Ken Ludwig, the author of such farces as popular as “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Moon Over Buffalo,” and the book for musicals like “Crazy for You” and “An American in Paris,” uses the poem as a springboard. Directed with whimsy and spirit by Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone, the 60-minute comedy is an adventure stuffed with slapstick, swashbuckling swordplay, contemporary humor, traditional holiday songs and rap music. The production sports a versatile and colorful scenic design by William Boles, fanciful costumes created by Rachel M. Sypniewski and dazzling lighting effects, courtesy of Keith Parham. Music direction is by Celia Villacres and a magical sound design is created by Jeffrey Levin.

Ms. Stone’s talented cast is an affable group of actors, some of whom play more than one role. As Uncle Brierly, the gentleman trying to entertain the children’s party by reading Clement Moore’s Christmas classic, Erik Pearson is quite funny. Exasperated by a mouse named Amos, brilliantly portrayed by Alejandro Tey, he eventually gives up his efforts; but the talented actor soon returns as an hilarious villain named Sir Guy. He’s a sword-wielding bully, much in the vein of Mandy Patinkin’s swashbuckling Inigo Montoya, from “The Princess Bride.” Pearson’s paired with an adorable Anthony Whitaker as Mulch, Sir Guy’s funny, Friar Tuck-like accomplice. This talented actor who also plays Santa Claus, who curiously sports a Truman Capote-ish southern accent. 

Remembered as Bug from Exit 63 Productions’ “Treefall,” brilliant Kirra Silver is sassy and scrappy as Emily, a little girl who has been a longtime friend with Amos, the enterprising house mouse. Suddenly a mysterious elf named Calliope shows up to enlist Emily and Amos’ assistance. It seems that Santa won’t be able to deliver his toys unless someone can find the Naughty-and-Nice list for him. After the trio has left to help Santa Claus, Amos’ country cousin from Kansas, also named Amos, turns up and follows them to the North Pole, where a whole lot of hilarity ensues, thanks to another great performance by Alejandro Tey.

This is one more entertaining addition to an already full roster of family holiday fare. Parents looking for an intelligent, very funny comedy, filled with physical humor and wild adventure, should look no further than the Broadway Playhouse, where Emerald City’s new production shines like the star at the top of the Christmas tree.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas     

Presented November 4-December by Emerald City Theatre at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Broadway Playhouse box office, by calling 312-977-1710 or by going to www.BroadwayinChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.