A focus on storytelling, both with and without music, gives this year’s “Christmas City Follies XXVI” a truly heartwarming feel. Combine that with the Touchstone Theatre cast’s always inciteful observations and laugh-out-loud funny skits, and it’s a formula for another memorable year of the vaudevillian-style holiday show.
Now in its 26th year, Touchstone Theatre presents its delightful “Christmas City Follies XXVI,” through Dec. 21 in Bethlehem.
The rollicking show has become a beloved Bethlehem tradition, known for its original sketches, characters, and songs which are created and designed entirely by the Touchstone ensemble, under the thoughtful direction of JP Jordan.
A true ensemble effort, the larger than usual cast which includes Samantha Beedle, Amber Charest, Bill George, Dylan Gombos. Anisa Hasseini, Jolie Lanning, Kristin Pedemonti, Matt Prideaux, Alexa Rojo and Mary Wright throw their hearts into their performances and it’s apparent they love what they do.
The 90 minute show with no intermission, flies by with skits that feature saucy dancing penguins, a Santa dismayed by children’s letters written with artificial intelligence, a peak into how elves are born, a human Magic 8 Ball and a giant panda bear, among others.
Storytelling which encompasses both personal experiences and legendary tales is uplifting and the some of the stories are enhanced with creative shadow puppetry, as well as with actual puppets.
Beedle was back leading the team at the Better Not Shout Network doing sports-style commenating on two parents struggling to assemble a toy on Christmas eve.
George’s Old Guy is once again pondering the state of the world with sharp insights and and a meaningful message to take care of each other.
Babyboomer George also has a hilarious bit spouting off a whole monologue in modern slang only to be outdone by Gen Z Gombos.
Wright’s doleful Little Red is back and this time is learning to dance with unexpected but sweet results.
Wright also brings back Sister Mary Ignoramus and her archly condescending nun is hilarious.
This year’s take on the shopping cart ballet was an unexpected surprise and truly magical. Kudos to the lighting design which was made for a lovely scene.
George Hrab was on board as music director and provided tuneful tableaus.
Touchstone also is hosting the Downtown Bethlehem Association’s Live Advent Calendar, which happens daily at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 to 23 at the Sun Inn courtyard. Every evening some Touchstone actors will select a member of the audience to open the door and see what surprises await inside.
Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for seniors and students.
Touchstone will offer pay-what-you-will for “Christmas City Follies XXV” Thursdays.
Performances are 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 11, 12, 17 and 18; 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 14, and 21; and 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20.
For information, call 610-867-1689, or go to www.touchstone.org/.