An air of innocence and nostalgia mixed with laughter marks the 24th editions of Touchstone Theaters "Christmas City Follies" through Dec. 22 at Touchstones black box theater, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem.
The beloved Bethlehem tradition, known for its original sketches, characters and songs doesnt disappoint in this years family-friendly, vaudevillian-style holiday revue that is imbued with a simple but sincere joy.
"Christmas City Follies XXIV" tugs at the heartstrings, as ensemble members Samantha Beedle. Amber Charest, Tyler Garrett, Bill George, Lawrence Mason, Shalaine Erica McCall. Casey McGinty, Mary Wright and Latrice P. Young all share childhood photos of Christmases past and the accompanying touching memories, giving the show a poignant, personal touch.
Returning are fun and familiar characters Little Red and Old Guy.
Wrights skit as the mostly silent Little Red trying to become an angel is suffused with gentle humor while Georges cantankerous Old Guy is playfully redeemed with a promise of fudge through a gruff rendition of "Jingle Bells."
Also back is the always clever BNSN, (Better Not Shout Network) with its ESPN-style commentators rating the success or failure of fibs people tell to get out of going to holiday parties.
In a similar vein, another game-show-style skit amusingly warned people to "bite your tongue" before saying something rude during the holidays.
One playful skit features girls reciting playground rhymes and another is an ode to hardworking moms.
An off-beat skit that mashes Christmas with Halloween pays homage to a family recipe of eggnog brewed up in a cauldron with unexpected ingredients.
There is music as well with the usual ukuleles joined by McGinty on violin and George on keyboard.
And, of course there is irreverence. This is Touchstone, after all.
A tongue in cheek skit has cheerleaders cheering UTI (University Tinsel Institute) while another cheeky song tells the tale of how the reindeer (and Santa) are waylaid at the bar. And a life-size pig earnestly entreats the audience to not eat ham for Christmas
Replacing the shopping cart ballet (to the funny confusion of Beedle) is a simple but effective Christmas tree ballet that is surprisingly evocative.
Beedle also is droll as a woman escaping it all on a beach vacation while audience interaction highlights a celebration of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
Follies actors also will perform for the Downtown Bethlehem Association Live Advent Calendar, which happens daily at 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 23 at Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites 1810 Goundie House on Main Street.
"Christmas City Follies" tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Touchstone also offers a pay-what-you-will at the door for Thursday performances.
Performances are 8 p.m. Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21 and 22; and 2 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17.
For tickets call 484-767-2456; or go to www.touchstone.org/.