Touchstone Theatre's 'Christmas City Follies' is back for its 13th iteration complete with skits, music, dancing and, what all true holiday celebrations should have, the Kwanza Panther.
The seven ensemble members, and two stage hands, create a very unique holiday experience which pokes fun at the holidays, is a bit irreverent at times (think Snookie as Mary), but manages to evoke laughter and a sense of community and intimacy through audience participation.
Directed by Jp Jordan, this alternative theatre experience is a unique look into how an ensemble can build upon characters and themes year after year with returning characters such as The Old Guy, Little Red and the next installment of the "Shopping Cart Ballet".
The show opens with a vaudevillian rendition of Deck the Halls which will delight and provide a fun start to the next two hours.
The Pajama Sisters celebrate a Blue Christmas, and Little Red takes off on a very special journey.
The storytelling at this point causes the pace to drag, and brings down the energy of the show.
The show then launches back into fast-paced, quirky, sometimes campy, skits filled with singing and interesting presentations.
Silent Night has the potential to be quite breathtaking. A few blinking bulbs on opening night put a little damper on a unique concept, but it was more than made up for with the beautiful harmonies.
There are some truly wonderful singers in this ensemble, and there are many opportunities for their voices to shine.
The a cappella mash-up from Little Red and Little Blue is a highlight of the evening.
A few of the skits were a little awkward, and to someone who has never attended a past Follie, could be a little like being the only one not to be a party to an inside joke.
The finale ensures we leave knowing the fate of The Old Guy, but, unfortunately, doesn't address the Mayan Apocolypse or even the Zombie Apocalypse. If after all of it you are still just not feeling the holidays, I would recommend you set some time with the Kwanza Panther.
Christmas City Follies XIII plays November 29 through December 22, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.
Tickets are $25 / $15 for students and seniors, with group rates available on request.
Advance tickets may be purchased at 610-867-1689 or online at www.touchstone.org
On Thursdays, Touchstone offers pay-what-you-will at the door, allowing patrons to name their own ticket price.