If the holiday blues have got you down and laughter’s what you need to perk you up, look no further than Sierra Madre Playhouse’s latest, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!).

Writers Michael Carleton, Jim FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez’s inspired concept has three performers combining talents to do just what the title promises … and do it in just under two hours.

Not that Dale’s (Dale Sandin) plans tonight include anything other than this year’s umpteenth A Christmas Carol, not after he, Garrett (Garrett Botts), and Philip (Philip Rossi) have spent the past three weeks in rehearsals.

Philip, on the other hand, has had it up to here with Dickens, and proposes that they improvise something different for a change.

Though Garrett sides immediately with his young costar, it takes more than a bit of persuading for Dale (who fully expected to be playing Scrooge tonight) to go along with the idea, but once he’s on board, the boys are off and running.

First up is a three-man reenactment of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas in rhymes that would do Dr. Seuss proud, with an audience member joining them on stage as Cindy Lou Who.

Next comes Gustav The Green-Nosed Reingoat, so renamed to avoid violating a certain 1939 copyright, though truth be told they do stick pretty darned close to the BHC (Beloved Holiday Classic), including an appearance by Hermie The (Would-Be Dentist) Elf.

The Fruit, Nut, And Dating Game then salutes America’s most regifted Christmas present with a second audience participant completing a trio of contestants charged with answering fruitcake-related questions, the most important of which is “Is there a Santa, yes or no?”

A Macy’s Day Parade reenactment has assistant stage manager Matt Raymond joining the cast to wheel miniature floats across the stage as a pair of TV hosts provide detailed commentary.

Frosty the Snowman then makes an appearance as does Garrett in Crocodile Dundee mode, Phillip confuses Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas In Wales with Bob Dylan’s A Child’s Christmas With Whales, and The Regifting Of The Magi features a tip of the hat to A Charlie Brown Christmas.

And since no December would be complete without and excursion to see The Nutcracker Ballet, Cate Caplin has choreographed a hilarious mini-version “danced” to musical director Sean Paxton’s live piano accompaniment.

Last but not least, It’s A Wonderful Carol combines the classic Dickens tale that Dale’s still itching to do with the Jimmy Stewart perennial to make for the most entertaining of second acts.

Gary B. Lamb directs and choreographs with abundant panache, and despite missed opportunities to showcase gender/ethnic diversity, you won’t find three more delightful, talented, and game-for-anything stars than tall, lanky, bearded charmer Botts, fresh-faced pony-tailed charmer Rossi, and curmudgeonly white-haired charmer Sandlin, with Paxton and Raymond meriting their own Christmas cheers as well.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) looks fabulous on scenic designers Lamb and Christian Lebano’s holiday-themed set with Joanne McGee providing some of the most plentiful (and ingenious) props in town, not the least of which are those Macy’s Parade mini-floats; resident lighting designer Derek Jones makes set, props, and Vicki Conrad’s clever costumes look even better and brighter; and sound designers Lamb and Jeanne Marie Valleroy sprinkle in some amusing effects along the way.

Produced by Estelle Campbell and Lebano, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) features additional choreography by Caplin. Orlando de la Paz and McGee are scenic artists. Evie Nootenboom is associate lighting designer.

Valleroy is stage manager, Owen Lewis is production manager, and Todd McCraw is technical director.

At 471 productions and counting since its 2003 debut, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) has clearly proven itself a year-end favorite across the land, but it’s one that L.A. audiences have rarely if ever been offered the chance to see.

All the more reason to head on over to Pasadena-adjacent Sierra Madre for Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!), as droll and delightful a holiday show as you’ll see all season.

Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre.
www.sierramadreplayhouse.org

–Steven Stanley
December 7, 2019

Tags: Jim FitzGerald, John K. Alvarez, Los Angeles Theater Review, Michael Carleton, Sierra Madre Playhouse, Will Knapp