The Annoyance
Christmas Pageant
Directed by Sam Locke
Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway (map)
thru Dec 18 | tickets: $14-$18 | more info
Check for half-price tickets
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Snoopy and Rudolph make for well roasted chestnuts
Annoyance Theatre presents
The Annoyance Christmas Pageant
Review by Lawrence Bommer
It’s strangely literal and almost disconcertingly reverent as it pays homage to two video Christmas classics. Every Yule the Annoyance Theatre departs from its sardonic fare to present a Christmas Pageant that’s family-friendly and even fun.
With all its goofy glory intact from 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” just adds a third dimension to the beloved animated tale of a self-effacing doofus (Jeff Murdock, sweetly downcast as the greatest sad sack in cartoon history since Beatle Bailey). But, with the help of his capricious and dance-crazed pals, the lovable geek gains confidence when he gets to direct their Christmas pageant.
So is this sweetly anti-commercial tale of a forlorn holiday tree growing into a great one (because kids “believe!”) and other practical Christmas miracles, complete with outsized props and the required jazzy backdrop, perfectly performed by a great combo.
Longer and even more elaborate with costumes and caricatures, ’ “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer” creatively clones the Rankin/Bass stop-action original with its twin tales of the disrespected “neon-nosed” reindeer and Herbie, the elf who want to be a dentist.
In this tribute to non-conformity as a form of character these supposed losers learn how to be “independent together” and that today’s freak can become tomorrow’s hero. Or something like that. (Even Santa here is strategically subpar, so skinny he needs padding from Mrs. Claus…)
Once again kids get to fight off the Abominable Snow Monster, journey with Yukon Cornelius, visit the Island of Misfit Toys, and triumph as Rudolph solves all weather difficulties and saves Christmas for the world!
Children who can’t remember these T.V. originals may find it a bit disconcerting to see adults playing children, especially with Annoyance’s awesome accuracy. But adults can relish the life-sized reenactment of two Christmas classics that lose nothing in the enlargement. Plus Sam Locke’s staging and Lisa McQueen’s musical direction are top drawer. Ho, ho, yes!
Rating: ★★★
The Annoyance Christmas Pageant continues through December 18th at the Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway (map), with performances Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $14-$18, and are available by phone (773-561-4665) or online at thundertix.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at annoyanceproductions.com.
