STAFF REPORT
DANVILLE — Chestnuts roasting, sleigh bells ringing, carolers singing outside in the soft, silent snow while everyone inside gathers around the warm fire and the radiantly decorated tree; it is that special holiday, and once again, grandpa prepares to read the beloved, traditional Christmas Carol tale to the children …
But no, this is not your grandpa’s Christmas tale.
This is Red Mask Players Inc. presenting “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some),” a non-traditional, irreverent, slightly disrespectful, somewhat ill-mannered, politically incorrect telling of literally every Christmas tale we have all become accustomed to and, until now, held close to our hearts.
The comedy was written by Michael Carleton, Jim Fitzgerald and John Alvarez, with original music — sung occasionally on key by the actors — by Will Knapp.
“This is an adult play, and under no circumstances should anyone think we are presenting a warm and fuzzy kickoff for the holidays. We just want to have fun,” said director Robert Hous.
The play stars Wilbur Bolton, J. Edward DeVore, and Rick Prentice. Gail Garner is stage manager for the production.
From the Fruitcake Game, to a visit with Gustav the green-nosed Reingoat, audiences will hopefully find laughter at the expense of nearly everyone and everything remotely related to the holidays, even poor Charlie-In-The-Box who lives on the Island of Misfit Toys.
Beloved holiday classic confusion reigns in a mix of Scrooge and Harry Bailey’s less-than-wonderful life. By the time the final notes — perhaps on key —sound on the actors’ caroling, everyone will be reminded of the true message of the holiday: Once you stop believing in Santa you start getting underwear for Christmas.
This special presentation is a fundraiser for Red Mask.
“As is the case for the arts and others now, funding streams are dwindling, so we will be offering some new plays, beyond our normal season, hoping to generate additional revenue,” said Linda Bolton, Red Mask board president.
Tickets for this play are not covered by the theater’s season memberships. Tickets cost $10. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, and 2 p.m. Dec. 6, at the Kathryn Randolph Theater, 601 N. Vermilion in Danville. There are no reserved seats.
This is an adult play, designed to amuse, but hopefully not offend. It is not a traditional, family-friendly production. Leave your political correctness at the door and laugh yourself into the holidays!
