“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” tells it all (and then some)

Jim Meadows, Joel Warren, John Gracey
Photo provided

“Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that……..Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail,” the actor (Joel Warren) says.

It’s Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” again, but two other actors (James Meadows and John Gracey) rebel. They are tired of repeating the Dickens classic and begin a madcap parody of every other Christmas story instead. In their seamless poking fun at tradition, nothing is spared not even Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Taking the brunt of their pokes is Gustav the Green-Nosed Rein-Goat, noting that the Red-Nosed creature is copyrighted.

Warren, Meadows, and Gracey are masters of timing in this difficult but hilarious show. Costume changes are rapidly made offstage or from a chest center stage a la “Man of La Mancha.”

In the second act of this 90 minute show, they intermix “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol” with interchanging Clarence getting his wings and Marley repenting. A clever medley of ‘Every Christmas Song….’ adds a finishing touch.

A very receptive packed house on opening night gave this upbeat, energetic performance a hearty endorsement.

“Every Christmas Story…..” is directed by Joel Warren and is part of the Bay Street Project that offers new and avant-garde works. Performances are Sunday evenings December 4, 11 at 7:30 pm. Ticket prices are a bargain $10.

A special holiday performance is scheduled for Saturday, December 10 at 8pm. Patrons will enjoy refreshments as they meet the actors and listen to live music performed by Patrick Ward. Admission price for the bonus performance is $15 for adults.

For further information call 357-7777 or visit their Web Site at www.baystreetplayers.org.