Touchstone Theatre’s “Christmas City Follies XXV” demonstrated it has stood the test of time with a merry, rollicking show that both looks back and forward for the vaudeville-style show’s 25th anniversary.
The show, through Dec. 22 at Touchstone’s black box theater, 321 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem, started off with Touchstone co-founder Bill George recalling how the annual Christmas show started simply enough in a garage, and went on to develop a life of its own.
Follies is presented in the format of an Advent calendar with multiple doors and openings on stage, which works perfectly since the 25 days until Christmas line up with the show’s 25 years. (It also ties in with Touchstone Theatre ensemble members hosting the Downtown Bethlehem Association Live Advent Calendar, daily at 5:30 p.m. in the Sun Inn courtyard through Dec. 23. )
Many of the old, beloved characters are there, as well as fun and surprising new ones.
Bill George’s crotchety Old Guy appeared with his overflowing shopping cart to humorously try to make a buck on the recent designation of Historic Bethlehem as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Mary Wright’s Little Red was whimsically glum, as she tried to sooth a fussing infant by singing, engaging the audience to sing, and even playing a trombone (“Seventy-Six Trombones” anyone?)
The always popular shopping cart ballet was as funny as ever, with a playful new twist that included roller skating.
Jason E.R. Hedrington brought a quirky note to the show with his nod to “HeadEye The Musical” which was at Touchstone last spring. As HeadEye, a one-eyed alien from a planet that forbids love, Hedrington led Samantha Beedle, as the puppet of Mermutt, half dog, half mermaid and Matt Prideaux as robot Dr. Roberto, in a rousing song about earthlings finding love at Christmas.
Hedrington also provided enjoyable seasonal keyboard music and sound effects for the entire show.
New skits included a clever Twilight Zone-inspired “Holiday Zone” intoned by Wright, which took a droll look at those uncomfortable Christmas moments like having to open an embarrassing present in front of the giver and taste-testing your mother’s way-too-dry gingersnaps.
Dylan Gombos was comical as Cupid the reindeer as a private investigator, complete with a cigarette-like candy cane hanging out of their mouth, who was looking into the death of a Grandma on Christmas Eve.
Wright gave a humorous Italian accent to “Fincenzo,” a fish discussing the Feast of The Seven Fishes, and with ukulele in hand, sang a heartfelt song about Bethlehem’s star on the South Mountain.
George gave a hilarious monologue in which he used a string of modern slang, only to be told it was “cringe.”
A chaps and cowboy-hat-clad Prideaux gave an entertaining recitation of a Texas-flavored “The Night Before Christmas” complete with bucking broncos and a barbecue feast.
Beedle was especially amusing as a grumpy (and pregnant) elf struggling to pull on her “Elf on the Shelf” outfit before heading out to the shelf.
The ensemble which includes Amber Charest and Abbie-Jean Litman, also presented a sweet skit about two clouds -deciding on whom to sprinkle their magical holiday snow, an entertaining Broadway-flavored “We’re The Elves” and the jolly finale of everyone singing The Bengsons’ “Keep Going On Song.”
JP Jordan’s direction was tight throughout the show’s fast-paced 90 minutes.
Touchstone will offer pay-what-you-will for “Christmas City Follies XXV” Thursdays.
Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for students and seniors.
Performances are 8 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20; 2 p.m. Dec. 8, 15 and 22; and 2, and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 21.
For information, call 484-767-2456 or go to www.touchstone.org/.