Not even Dickens could have imagined what would happen to his beloved Christmas story when the small Soapbox Playhouse attempts to mount its holiday production amidst chaotic events.

rear - Larry Eisenberg - Robert McCollum

Dina Martin - Lareen Faye - Kent Butler - Judith E.- Steve Wasserman

 

In a fairly linear story, the Soapbox gets a notice that their NEA grant may be denied pending an investigation by a representative who will visit them in the next few days to review their work. Suddenly an actor shows up seeking an audition, and the company believes this man must be undercover from the NEA. What to do? Simple – give him free reign.

First they give him a non-speaking role, then later they expand his part. When he makes a few observations about the story they make the changes. When he suggests a line change, they jump on it and soon he and Larry, an actor with some warped ideas of his own, rewrite the entire play resulting in an almost completely different story.

The comedic chaos happens when, to their surprise, the real NEA person shows up and asks to see a performance. Nobody remembers or knows the recent script changes, but they forge ahead with disastrous results.

Chris Winfield directs a large ensemble where everyone has a chance to pull off some comic zingers. There is plenty of slapstick mingled within the clever lines, not to mention some ridiculous costumes. The acting seemed a little forced at the beginning while they were doing the setup, but by the end of the first act they settled down into a groove and when the second act started they were in full blown comic mode. On the overall laugh scale this show goes from guarded giggles to gargantuan guffaws. If you prefer simpler words - it’s funny!

 

Michelle Bernath is excellent as Zorah, the frazzled artistic director, who learns the company is broke and has to figure a way to keep the show going. Equally stressed out is Kevin, the accountant (Patrick Burke) who brings the news about the NEA funding withdrawal. Our “deadpan” faces award has to be shared between Klair Bybee who is supposed to be playing Marley, except that his chains keep getting caught during his performance and all he can do is just stare, and Robert McCullum Jr. who as Walter, has been hired because he is African American and the company needs to show diversity, but he has trouble remembering his lines. In fact, when he’s on, he freezes on stage and just stares. Conversely, our “over the top” award is also shared between Lareen Faye and Larry Eisenberg. She is terrific as the diva who claims the title of vocal and accent coach and Larry insists on playing Scrooge his own way, which often includes saying the lines in Spanish.

Larry Eisenberg

 

We also enjoyed Dina Martin as Bart, the company’s handy person; you know the type – there’s one in every theatre. They paint here, they hammer there, they clean this, move that and if needed throw on a costume and do background. The rest of the cast is equally good including Judith E. who as M.J. is a very energetic stage manager trying to keep the group going and Doug Haverty as the understated actor who comes to audition and almost destroys the play. Kent Butler plays Phil, who is reluctantly playing Bob Cratchit while complaining about carrying Tiny Tim, an overgrown ten year old played by Steven Wasserman, an overgrown ten year old.

When Linda Alznauer shows up as Betty Marshall, the NEA lady, she is very serious, severe looking and difficult. However, as with every great story that has a surprise ending, this surprise is provided by the NEA. In this case the question is, will this be good for the company or will it turn out to be a double edged sword?

You have until January 2, 2011 to find out.

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