On the other hand, this gives me a unique perspective on the new production now on stage in the Bolton Theatre at The Cleveland Play House through December 18.
It’s a wonderful, colorful, bright and spritely Christmas treat for the entire family. It’ll be even more fun if you include the grandparents in your visit, because they’ll be more likely to remember the various events depicted in the play, which takes place in 1938. They may even add their own memories to the mix! Nostalgia is as deep on the ground as the snow usually is here, in February.
The Bolton Theatre lends itself wonderfully to spectacle—large multi-faceted, multi-storied sets featuring segments that move back and forth and allow for small cars or park benches to come up through the floor for short scenes. Because of its quirky acoustics, it is not always kind, however, to some voices, and even though I was seated fairly close to the stage, some of the children’s words were mush. Of course, they may have been more distinguishable to those in the rear of the house.
But that small quibble is the only one I have. Director Seth Gordon had everything moving along very convincingly on opening night. All of his actors—the young and the older—were real people, with entirely human actions and gestures. The set design by Michael Ganio is perfectly fantastic. One wall of the Parker house moves away to let the schoolroom come to the front, and near the end, to let the stage become HIGBEE’s Santaland. (I grew up in Detroit, so never went to Higbee’s at Christmas, but it must have been authentic, because it drew lots of ‘ohs’ and ‘ahs’ plus applause.)
Richard Winkler worked overtime on the lighting, what with the all the fuses blowing and rapid changes from night to day and back again. Everything worked just as it should. The costumes of David Kay Mickelsen were wonderfully appropriate, especially the pink bunny pajamas and the two witches! Sound was by resident sound designer James C. Swonger, and he, too, deserves kudos for the multitude of sounds required here. It’s a real ensemble effort.
Playwright Philip Grecian made a very workable adaptation of the film version based on the tales of Jean Shepherd. The movie (which also gives writing credits to Leigh Brown and Bob Clark) was made—in Cleveland—in 1983. (This production may well be the professional premiere of the play.) The scenes range from goofy (the kids’ imaginations) to sentimental, just as they ought.
However, a play depends heavily on the actors, and Gordon truly hit the bull’s-eye with his cast. Using a grown up Ralph as the narrator keeps us informed and helps to move the action along. Christopher McHale is laid-back, sardonic, and joyful as needed in this role. At times one would think he was several people as he appears here, then up there, and next over here on the other side of the big stage. His role is never obtrusive, and he exhibits real warmth when paired with his younger ‘self’—the nine-year old Ralphie of Cody Swanson. Young Master Swanson is equally tuned-in to his older persona, with the voice of one perfectly matching up to the acting of the other.
My own Christmas list would include more local performances by Elizabeth Ann Townsend, who was obviously channeling my own Mom as she bustled around the Parker kitchen. She was effervescent or sardonic or joyful—as needed, in her role of Mother, preparing or serving meals, doing laundry or lovingly tending to her menfolk. Her take on the leg-lamp was hilarious as was her turn as one of the witches!
The Old Man (father Parker) was warmly played by Charles Kartali. Fathers in those days were supposed to know about all sorts of things. Sometimes, however, they were known to do things they’d forbidden their sons to do, as Ralphie found out when he repeated certain words he’d heard. (Doesn’t this ring true with all parents?) His inept handyman efforts were a constant source of amusement as well as an expression of love for his family.
Peggy Scott as Mrs. Shields was obviously based on my sixth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Anderson. Certainly, there is a great resemblance between the two of them, not to mention similarities in assigning homework, grading papers, etc.
Other than the occasional indistinguishable words, the younger actors were all marvelous. Each child had a distinct personality and stayed in character throughout. Angela Holecko was the complete young lady, Esther Jane; her friend Helen was played by Carolyn Williams. Ralphie’s younger brother Randy was Billy Lawrence. The bullyish Scut Farkas was Alex Mayes; Alex Biats was Schwartz and Louie Rosenbaum was Flick.
So, in the end, does Ralphie get his Christmas wish? Will Santa bring him the most desired present of all? The official, legendary Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle with compass and a thing that tells time built right into the stock. Will he then shoot his eye out? I’ll never tell. You’ll just have to go see for yourself. You’ll enjoy a marvelous trip down Memory Lane in the process.
A Christmas Story has been extended and now runs through December 23. Next production is A Streecar Named Desire, opening January 13, through February 5, 2006. For tickets or other information, call (216) 795-7000 or visit the web-site: http://www.ClevelandPlayhouse.com
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz ArtsWriteratAdelphia.net (:divend:)