Review: Christmas Comes to Metrostage

Back in the late 90's I went to the old Vat Room at Arena Stage to see this Christmas show that my Catholic University professor talked about. Being the grandchild of a British war bride, I had many "British Christmases" growing up, so I knew what to expect. What I didn't expect back then was how enjoyable that night would be. Sometimes you go to the theater to have fun and escape from the troubles of your day.

Now, some 20 years later, I am back at Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush, this time at Metrostage in Alexandria and while I am older and not necessarily wiser, I am still having the time of my life at this performance. Holidays are a time to spend with family and as I was sitting in the audience, so many things in the show reminded me of my late grandmother and it had a bit of nostalgia for me. A nice way to wrap up a Thanksgiving weekend with a trip down memory lane.

The show begins with the Maestro Peabody (music director Joseph Walsh) playing the overture, which included Scott Joplin's famous "Maple Leaf Rag". As the cast assembles on stage, we are led by the Chairman, played by Brian O'Connor with lovable authority. The remainder of the cast joins in, with the audience, in singing some great standards like "Hello, Hello, Who's Your Lady Friend" and "Good King Wenceslas". Each member of the cast has some great moments: Peter Boyer and Tracey Stephens delightfully funny "The Green Eye of the Little Yellow God" or Helen Hayes nominated Albert Coia in "The Night I Appeared as Macbeth". Mr. Coia, who was nominated in this role in the original run of Bull & Bush is one of the few performers from the original to appear in the revival. I remember his hysterical Jack Benny inspired performance from the original, and he is just as fresh today. Newcomer to the Bull & Bush Katherine Riddle has a beautiful soprano voice that she gets to show off on some numbers. Another original cast member, returning to the show is tenor Bob McDonald. His voice is just as luscious as it was so many years ago and his rendition of the simple, yet poignant, "Christmas in the Trenches" is one of the many highlights of the show.

Writer-director Catherine Flye, who is the visionary and voice behind this spectacular evening also makes an appearance in the hysterical "Nobody Loves A Fairy". Ms. Flye, who has been a Washington DC area stalwart for years has kept the show fresh and timely, while keeping the charm and heart of the original. The audience also plays a part in the show, from sing-alongs, to audience participation, to opening the tradition English Christmas cracker after intermission (a childhood memory that I am particularly fond of). Carl Gudenius' set design, Alex F. Keen's lighting design, and Michael Sharp's costumes add to the nostalgic element of the show.

Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush is a wonderful and nostalgic way to spend an evening having a wonderful time and escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Christmas at the Old Bull & Bush plays through December 24, 2017 at Metrostage, 1201 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Box Office: (703) 548-9044 or online.

Photo Credits: Chris Banks

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