Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL and SEVEN SANTAS at Stage Coach Theater

This year, Stage Coach Theater 4802 W Emerald Street, Boise has 2 very different Holiday shows.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL adapted by Michael Paller. Directed by Curtis Ransom

We all know the Dicken's Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol and this adaptation does not disappoint. Scrooge, his ghosts and all the usual characters are brought to you by Charles Dickens himself. It's a Christmas Eve party at the Dicken's home when Charles would normally tell a story to his guests. This evening, he has decided to make a change and have all the guests take part in its telling by acting out the evening's tale.

It is a family friendly show from beginning to end, but I will warn that Marley's ghost, played by Noah Moody, does get a bit scary, so be ready for that with your little ones.

Ten actors play over 40 parts, sometimes changing roles within mere seconds of one another. The brilliant cast, lead by the talented Ben Hamill, takes you through the laughter and love of this classic story.

Appropriate for all audiences. Run Dates: 12/1, 12/2, 12/3, 12/4, 12/8, 12/9, 12/10, 12/11, 12/15, 12/16 and 12/17.

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/org/2762190930. Prices: $15.00 Student, senior and military discounts are offered on Thursday and Sunday performance. Eventbrite sales close two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may be available to purchase at the box office after this time. Show Times: Thurs 7:30pm, Fri & Sat 8:00pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00.

SEVEN SANTAS by Jeff Goode. Directed by Shannon Foy

Seven Santas is said to be the "long-awaited" follow-up to The Eight Reindeer Monologues. I, however, could have waited even longer.

First, let me make sure to tell you this is definitely not a show for children, nor is it for those looking for a classic, lighthearted holiday show.

A North Pole AA meeting begins by introducing seven different santas, all meant to be one Santa. Each have a characteristic or tell the urban legend we may have learned over the years about St Nick.

The eight actors, as Mrs. C, played by Diana Holdridge, is part of the meeting, each portrayed their jolly man, or woman, very well. There were laughs as each of their stories were told. Then, as the story went on, Goode took a turn to the dark side. In Reindeer Monologues there was fun added to the darker moments. Seven Santas just turned dark, like a lump of coal.

As the late show for the holidays, the show begins at 11:00pm, it's just too heavy. A funny farce is what I would like to see in this spot.

Contains adult themes and language! Adults only. Run Dates: 12/2, 12/3, 12/9 and 12/10. All shows are at 11pm and not included in the Season Ticket package. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/org/2762190930. Prices: $10.00 Eventbrite sales close two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may be available to purchase at the box office after this time

Photo Credit: Susannah Barr, Natashia Rechenmacher

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