Review: Pass the Eggnog and Settle in for EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD at Orlando Shakes

Let's face it there are a lot of Christmas stories out there. From the moment Thanksgiving is over, the holiday movies begin to play non-stop and people begin blasting Christmas music. For theaters around the world Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL is that holiday staple sure to bring in audiences of all ages. EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD takes that idea and turns it on its head.

The set leads audiences to believe that this will be a classic Christmas story with frosty windows and a cozy arm chair. Timothy Williams begins reading A CHRISTMAS CAROL, but fellow actors Michael Daly and Christopher Patrick Mullen want no part of it. From the Grinch to Charlie Brown to Frosty and almost every story between, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD comes to life in under two hours and mashes all well-known Christmas stories (and songs) into one package.

Parsed throughout the show are tidbits about how the holiday is celebrated around the world. The show has a feeling of sketch comedy with audience interaction included. This show is funny. Like laugh out loud "I totally get that reference" funny. Though some humor is intended for adults, the younger audience members enjoyed the physical comedy that is present throughout. I'd recommend ages 10 years or older.

Timothy Williams plays the stoic holiday traditionalist. Williams appears to be a natural at playing multiple personalities in one show (He just finished as Dr. Jekyll in Orlando Shakes' DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE). It is one thing to purposefully change characters with costume breaks between, but in act 2, Williams masterfully stretches this character changing ability with light speed dialogue and movement.

Michael Daly and Christopher Patrick Mullen round out the cast as the perfect comic reliefs. They are enthusiastic and spread holiday cheer like elves. Daly is an endearing loveable character in his multiple character forms. Mullen feeds off the crowd and his quick wit adds to the humor of forced audience interaction.

Kudos to these three actors for keeping up their energy throughout the entire show and making it all seem natural. The trio are constantly running, grabbing props and changing costumes throughout the entire production. It is only at the end of act I, when one actor exclaims that the set "looks like Wal-Mart after Black Friday" do you realize how long it has been and how much has happen. In a way this show fits the theme of the holidays as holidays are inherently a time of excess. There are so many props, the stage is an endless box of props, which come from every crevasse. The visual overstimulation adds to the energy and chaos of the show. Everyone loves Christmas lights and this show does not disappoint.

Although Christmas entertainment can vary, the themes of family, generosity, and positive cheer remain constant throughout. Do not come to this show and expect to sit and watch. You'll find yourself engaged in the action, surrounded by casual dialogue and witty banter. It's too fun to pass up. Directed by Michael Carleton, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (and then some) runs at Orlando Shakes until December 31st. For tickets and more information visit http://orlandoshakes.org/shows/every-christmas-story-ever-told/.

Photo credit: Tony Firriolo feature Timothy Williams, Michael Daly, and Christopher Patrick Mullen.

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