Review: 'Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) at PSC

Pictured above: (standing) Ian Diedrich, Ed Bassett, Rob Richnavsky (seated) Director Tim Phillips and Stage Manager/Dresser Lori Poulin

If the thought of sitting through yet another production of A Christmas Carol makes you cringe, read on. If having to watch the Grinch makes you feel far too much like the title character, or the prospect of seeing a performance of It's a Wonderful Life is not so wonderful, or you are tired of the eternally upbeat Frosty the Snowman, then the Phoenix Stage Company brings back the perfect show to make you laugh during this holiday season. EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (and Then Some) is a riotous send up of all of these classic tales and much more. There is only enough of each classic that even the most jaded will be able to tolerate the bit, and those of us who love them will laugh at their absurdity.

Oakville, CT - Back by popular demand to Phoenix Stage Company, now at Clockwork Repertory in Oakville, is EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (and Then Some.) The latest incarnation of this beloved holiday classic is billed as “The Farewell Tour,” so the time is now or never to catch this very funny show.

The hysterically funny show once again features the talents of Ed Bassett, Ian Diedrich and Rob Richnavsky, as well as the nimble changing skills of stage manager Lori Poulin, all under the direction of Tim Phillips. I had seen this piece of holiday magic four times because one year I attended the final dress in addition to another performance, but with some timely tweeks and this stellar cast, it never gets old.

It is always fun to watch these three guys hurdle their way through a long list of “B.H.C.’s” (Beloved Holiday Classics) all while roundly breaking the fourth wall. Because there is so much they need to cover, the cast has to move very quickly and the laughs never stop. From a theatrical standpoint, this show written by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez is exhausting work for the three actors, who all have a ton of lines, innumerable costume changes and very little down time. I admire the stamina they bring to their roles for the final time and understand completely why Mr. Bassett has said that he feels that this will be the last time he can manage the physical demands.

The show is a mixture of vignettes that include the Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Grinch, Rudolph, Christmas Around the World, a fruitcake game show, Frosty the Snowman, the film A Christmas Story, and oh yes, a mash up of It’s A Wonderful Life and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. I can never get enough of the improvisational running gags, the pop culture references and the fun poked at the audience volunteers.

“Marley was dead to begin with..”

The three talented actors, a truly unholy trio, are all amazing. In this show they work together seamlessly and feed off each other as a fine comedy troupe should. Ed Bassett, a founding member of the PSC, probably has to work the hardest as the traditionalist member of the trio who simply wants to play Scrooge one more time. I always enjoy watching him react to the high jinx of his fellow performers, and in his bio he thanks “the whacky, wonderful weird guys I get to share the stage with in this show and to Tim and Laurie for saying ‘yes’ one more time!”

Mr. Diedrich returns to this stage after his role in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST and never stopped moving as he flew through his many roles. The fearless Rob Richnavsky, the busy stage combat instructor and choreographer, has also appeared in many PSC productions. He kept the audience laughing as he steadfastly held on to his belief in Santa Claus.

Director Tim Phillips (THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE) knows how to get the most out of every ‘bit’ in this show and led the carolers in their curtain speech/song dressed as Santa. Ms. Poulin deserves an award of some kind for always ensuring that each guy was in the right costume holding the correct props at the right time; she calls this show “one of my favorite things to tradit.” She also hints that “we’ll see you in a couple of years,” but you didn’t hear that from me. Mr. Bassett was the executive producer and Ms. Poulin was the production manager.

The stage manager and Mr. Bassett collected the multitude of costumes required and D. Gene Wilburn and Lydia Cleft found all of the often-hysterical props. Mr. Bassett designed the original Charles Dickens set and adapted it to the Clockwork stage. Al Hathway designed the lighting and Mr. Bassett was in charge of the sound. Caroler Brian Elser (CUCKOO’S NEST) was the spotlight operator. The other singers were volunteer coordinator Laurie Phillips and Ms. Poulin. Fruitcake baker was Marilyn “Grandma” Lopez, a volunteer with PCS for seven years.

The lobby of the theatre is beautifully decorated for the holiday season and the ushers were decked out in festive headgear. Before the performance, there was a video montage of many of the referenced tales. During the intermission, Santa himself took a seat on the stage so that patrons could choose a prop and take a selfie with Santa to share on social media.

I call this show the funniest comedy I have ever seen at the Phoenix, and I have seen them all. There were a few naughty parts but they were mild. Call the box office for tickets and don't miss this comedy event of the year. Keep in mind that this madcap romp through the holiday season contains some mild language and content and a discussion of the existence of you-know-who. EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (And Then Some) runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 9.

Coming up next at PSC: the seventh annual ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL, three days of original one-act plays from around the world. It runs Thursday, Jan. 17 through Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.