The Hippodrome Theater in Gainesville kicks off the holiday season with a comedy in two acts with three Equity actors (Mark Chambers, Logan Wolfe, and Ali Foley) that will keep you laughing from start to finish.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” will run the gamut from biblical, literature, plays, musicals, ballets, and TV in a high energy fast moving show.
The fun is trying to identify the plethora of Christmas stories being acted out. Even Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are not forgotten. In between scenes some unknown historic (and strange) facts of traditions in other countries are cited . The audience is a part of the action by being asked for story suggestions to be incorporated into the play and some are drafted onto the stage to participate which adds to the fun. There is some interpretive and artistic liberty given to some stories. One can easily pick out Scrooge, Frosty the Snowman, The Nutcracker, and a new look at Rudolph. The show stopper is when the cast sings most all the known Christmas songs and carols rolled up into a single melodic montage.
The imagination is needed at times as the stage is relatively devoid of scenery and major props, however the costuming, music, choreography and actions speak volumes for story recognition. This is a season “must see” and tickets can be purchased by logging on at “thehipp.org”
Villager Don Simson reviews local theater for Villages-News.com
