Those looking for humor and a barrage of Christmas stories can start the month of December off with a bang at the Bradford Little Theatre presentation of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)”, which will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. showing on Sunday. Performances will take place at Togi’s Playhouse on Welch Avenue.
Quirky holiday facts will mesh with holiday traditions from the world over, familiar Christmas carols and season icons from ancient times. The show is family-friendly, although those with younger children are forewarned that “some holiday secrets are revealed.” The younger audience members may be disillusioned by one scene in particular.
Al Bernstein, show director and one of the actors, describes the show as a rendition of Christmas shows “thrown into a blender and poured out, mostly recognizable, onto the stage.” Humor and speed drive the show and have the audience awed and exhausted by the show’s conclusion. That is nothing compared to how the actors feel, however.
Bernstein explained he has 23 costume changes over the course of the show.
“It’s a challenge,” he said. “But it is a very funny show. We have been making ourselves laugh for the last six weeks. Hopefully, the audience laughs as much as we do.”
Bernstein explained the show ties everything holiday-related together and maintains a family feel, which is part of what he wants the audience to take away from their viewing of the production.
Darrell Klute, another actor in the show, noted the ridiculous pace and sheer variety of the show is what makes it so fun. He enjoys working with Bernstein and fellow actor Jake Riggs on such a challenging production. As for the audience, he believes there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“Relax, have a ball,” Klute said. “If you don’t like what we are doing, wait 30 seconds.”
Riggs also enjoys the fast pace of the show and the effort it takes to keep things moving.
“This show is a challenge, but it is a lot of fun,” Riggs said. “Working with these guys is a treat.”
For Riggs, the hope is the audience can enjoy the show and see it as a humorous kick-off to a wonderful time of year.
“Enjoy your holiday,” he said. “We hope we will give you a good start to it.”
The show is one the trio performed two years ago with the Olean Theatre Workshop. However, the current version has been fine tuned and includes new material, making it a worthwhile trip for even those who have seen it before. The writers for this production are John K. Alvarez, Michael Carleton and James FitzGerald. Original music by Will Knapp is also included in the show.
The show was so popular in one area that local actors performed the show for 16 years running. Bernstein, Klute and Riggs are hoping to evoke the same appreciation from audiences in our area.
To attend the production, tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Reserve tickets by calling Chelsea Place at 598-9956 or purchased at Togi’s Family Restaurant, Graham’s Florist or at the door, if available. Seating is first come, first served. The doors will open 30 minutes before show time.
