Review: HOME ALONE Parody Holiday Hit!
By: Aimee Curameng Jan. 04, 2016
The holidays aren't over at Rockwell (nor should they be!) and you have two more chances to catch their current great parody show of the '90s Christmas classic Home Alone. Previous parodies included Scream and Cruel Intentions which brought a flurry of nostalgia for those who grew up in the '90s, but how would a Christmas-themed parody fare? Really, really well!
Take well-known Christmas songs, an incredibly funny, entertaining, and talented cast, and a heartwarming script reworked for 2015 audiences, and you have a holiday hit on your hands. Gwen Hollander was our Kevin McCallister and played every inch of precociousness to the hilt, taking it over-the-top with saccharine sweetness...with an edge. Marla Mindelle took the role of Kate McCallister and played up every frantic moment with every sense of urgency that we remember from the movie. The scene with the cops? Was it really that unreasonable that a mother wanted to check on her son who was alone in their house? In the words of Kevin McCallister, "I don't think so." Both Gwen and Marla embraced their roles, giving their all with vocal prowess to match, tackling every song with just the right amount of comedy and earnestness.
More than a memorable recreation of hilarious scenes from the movie (intentional or otherwise - how is their ENTIRE neighborhood gone?), are a well-sung variety of songs including now-classics like NSYNC's "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" and, of course, Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You." Non-Christmas songs included a well-placed "Hello" by Adele," "When You Believe," and yes, even Frozen's "Let It Go."
Though the show is comedic, it still retains the heart that makes Home Alone a classic to begin with. I don't think the film would've been the hit that it was without an endearing lead character, which is what Rockwell has on its hands in choosing their talented casts. Within the comedic overtone, it's hard to ignore the caliber of vocal talent the show has, taking charge, and causing the audience to applaud, cheer, and react.
The show must close on Sunday. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the last remnants of the holiday season by catching this hilariously irreverent show that will appeal to the child in you that has this movie memorized and the adult-you who enjoys recognizable, memorable songs and laughing at everything you didn't notice in this movie.
Tickets can be purchased here and check out their show info for their next parody show for The Devil Wears Prada.
Photos by Aimee Curameng
Cast and Creative Team of Home Alone
Marla Mindelle and John Pinto Jr.
Spencer Strong Smith
John Flynn and Joey Bybee
Gwen Hollander and Alex Mohajer
Spencer Strong Smith
Cast of Home Alone
Cast of Home Alone
Cast of Home Alone
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