Touchstone Theatre is back with another totally charming rendition of its "Christmas City Follies XXIII."
The playful and poignant vaudeville-style show always gets audiences in the mood for the holidays and is on stage through Dec. 18 at the troupe's black box theater, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem.
"Follies,"now in its 23rd year, is always imbued with a simple but sincere joy that is threaded through its original sketches, stories and musical performances.
This years show opens with a surprise announcement from long-time ensemble member Emma Ackerman and a sweet and heartfelt performance of "Ill Never Go" accompanying herself on the ukulele.
Back are recurring and beloved characters like Bill Georges earnest Old Guy looking for the meaning of the holiday and listening to whispers of the baby Jesus; and the silent Little Red, played with heart by Mary Wright, who pops out of an over-sized shopping bag before recreating the scene on the side of the bag with the help of some friends in a humorous and interactive skit.
Also back is the always clever "Better Not Shout Network" where ESPN-style sportscasters commentate an overly aggressive family game of The Ministers Cat that ends with a sweet surprise twist, complete with light-up ugly sweaters.
Wright also brings back her hilariously stern nun Sister Mary Ignoramus, in a bit that will ring true for anyone who went to Catholic school (and even for those who didnt).
Samantha Beedle is funny as a slightly belligerent life size Post-it note named Postie in an illuminating skit about the ensembles creative process
Lawrence Mason is humorous trying to incorporate a hearty game of basketball into the annual shopping cart ballet to the tune of the Harlem Globetrotter theme "Sweet Georgia Brown" on flute and bassoon, while the annoyed cast members vainly try to avoid him.
Another skit celebrated the joy of over decorating, even in the bathroom and ensemble members Krystal Danielle, Shalaine Erica McCall and Latrice P. Young amusingly offered an outsiders guide to a Black family Christmas.
In recognition of other faiths, Ackerman sang a Hebrew against a playful animation for Hanukkah.
Other skits in the wildly creative show included Christmas capers with a mustachioed would be cat burglar, "trash animals" which brought to life the critters foraging in the garbage can (with a plea to leave the lids off), a dour white elephant and a show of support for the Ukraine.
The entire cast ended with a rousing rendition of the Scottish folk song "The Parting Glass."
The ensemble also includes Tyler Garrett and Robert Mills, with direction by JP Jordan.
Tickets for Follies are $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. It will be pay-what-you-will at the door on Thursdays.touchstone.org
Performances are 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3, 8-10, and 15-17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18.
For tickets call 610-867-1689 or go to touchstone.org.