Ever wonder what your favorite child characters from past Christmas shows would look and act like as they aged? Wonder no more. Just head to Richmond Triangle Players’ production of Christmas on the Rocks. This zany comedy will have you reminiscing and laughing at the same time.
The play consists of seven vignettes, each written by a different playwright. In each case a story character lands in the same bar late on Christmas Eve. Each has a story to tell, some downright hilarious and others a bit more poignant.
Director Dexter Ramey took special care to cast the 3-person production with actors that could stand up to the rigors of the show. And he let them shine.
Husband and wife Kimberly Jones Clark and David Clark each take on the task of playing four characters. Jones Clark plays the roles of Clara from The Nutcracker, Susan Walker from Miracle on 34th Street, Cindy Lou Who from How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and a surprise character. Clark plays Charlie Brown from A Charlie Brown Christmas, Ralphie from The Christmas Story, Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol and Hermie the Elf from Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Jay Millman takes on the role of the bartender who has to encourage each character to find some meaning in the season. His acting has a comforting steadiness that is calming and endearing.
Clark jumps into his four roles with ease. He nails each one, taking us from bittersweet to flamboyant with skill and technique. He embodies each character down to the slightest mannerism. His over-the-top take on Hermie the Elf will leave you in stitches.
Jones Clark shows her solid acting chops each time she walks onto the stage. She becomes her characters and does so with ease and a boatload of talent. Her portrayals of Cindy Lou Who and Clara are some of the funniest moments of the night. They are spot on.
Christmas on the Rocks isn’t your typical Christmas story, but it will definitely end up being a classic at some point in time. It’s a great show for families with children over twelve. It runs through December 19.
