THESE CREATURES ARE DEFINITELY STIRRING
UP HOLIDAY SPIRT AT LAMPLIGHTERS
Ken Ludwig’s story begins with a homey Uncle Brierly (Christopher T. Miller) wanting to read to us the famous poem that this play is named after. Unfortunately for the frustrated fellow, he is repeatedly interrupted by a mouse (Matt Sayre) named Amos who keeps questioning the legitimacy of the story. Though Brierly would love to drive the small fellow off, in comes niece Emily (Dani Ucman) who explains to her uncle that Amos is her best friend. She wants to know why Amos seems sad. We learn that, last year, Santa skipped Amos’s home and the mouse received no gifts. A plan is hatched to head to the North Pole to rectify the situation — but villains interfere, mistaken identities raise the stakes, and fun ensues.
Twas the Night Before Christmas at Lamplighters Community Theatre is purposefully directed by Jonathan Sturch in over-the-top exaggeration of everything, to the clear delight of the youngsters in the audience. Aided by Pamela Stompoly‘s bold costuming, silliness rules, as it should with this script. Were it not for the need of set designer David Gallagher’s comfy cottage with multiple entrance and exit points, this would make a terrific school assembly. As it needs to be in a theater, though, to pull off some fun French farcical entrances and exits, Lamplighter’s production is a great opportunity to introduce young people to the fun of theatre.
As to their claims that the show is “fun for the whole family,” well … let’s say that parents bringing kids are likely to enjoy the show, but it’s definitely geared for tweens and younger. A pair of adults looking for a holiday play might find it too kid-oriented. Think Peter Pan but with less singing (although there is some and it’s good for some chuckles).
That said, the many parents left with big smiles and jolliness, so maybe, this time of year, especially with such joyful, bubbly performances throughout the cast, that just doesn’t matter quite as much. Lamplighters brings fun and sweet energy to this little sugar plum drop tale.
photos by Steve Murdock
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Lamplighters Community Theatre, 5915 Severin Drive
Fri and Sat at 7:30; Sun at 2
ends on Dec 15, 2024
for tickets ($22-$27), call 619.303.5092 or visit Lamplighters
