Reviewed by Margaret Thompson
If you’re ready for a break from the traditional holiday entertainment offerings, head on over to Willow Lawn for a fresh new look at Christmas, with Santa’s Christmas Miracle, courtesy of Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre.
Performed in the quaint 200-seat theater that allows every visitor an up-close and personal experience, this play for the whole family is set in the jailhouse of Broken-Bone, Montana on December 24, 1883, where the town sheriff, played by Charley Raintree, has outlawed Christmas. It is up to a mysterious stranger, who looks more than a little like a certain jolly old saint, and a comical bungling bandit named Big Bad Bart, to unravel the plot and bring the true meaning of the season back to the town.
This delightful story emphasizes love and the holiday spirit, accompanied by foot-stompin’ country and 
western music, courtesy of three talented musicians who play from a jail cell on stage. The cast of eight works together beautifully to tell the story, and the audience responded with giggles and clap-a-long beats at all the right times. Thomas Stratton just about steals the show with his comical portrayal of Big Bad Bart, but each of the gifted cast members has reason to be proud of their performances in this holiday gem.
Santa’s Christmas Miracle runs through December at Children’s Theatre of Virginia at Willow Lawn. For tickets and showtimes, call 804-282-2620 or visit Santa’s Christmas Miracle.
