The title of Chicago Street Theatre’s latest production says it all.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” conjures up a multitude of references to the season of St. Nick.
Running Dec. 11-20, the comedy follows the exploits of a trio of actors.
According to the Valparaiso troupe, the triumvirate decides “to tackle a show that celebrates every holiday tradition, song and Christmas special they can think of.”
Chicago Street Theatre notes that the madcap romp “combines the worlds of Scrooge, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ and many, many others into a hilarious attempt to present them all.”
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” boasts a kinetic atmosphere.
“It’s almost like a Robin Williams bit; it has kind of a improvisational element to it,” said Eric Brant, marketing director for Chicago Street Theatre.
“There’s points of irreverence,” added Brant, noting that the play is basically adult-oriented.
Using the movie rating system, Brant said the laugh fest would be rated PG or PG-13.
The comedic play that Chicago Street Theatre will serve up at its Valparaiso venue has something in common with the humor of “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” and “A Tuna Christmas,” the latter of which Chicago Street has previously presented.
“It’s kind of in the vein of those types of comedies,” Brant related.
The three actors in Chicago Street’s production round up yuletide references like a caffeine-infused rodeo.
There are Christmas traditions, topical pop-culture bits, and nods to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman.
Additionally, plenty of props and costumes are enlisted, according to Dona Henry, who is directing the play with Kelly Hite.
“It is a nostalgic look at what we view as our memories, what Christmas means to us -— in just a comical way,” Henry, a Wheeler resident, said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
The Valparaiso production serves up the acting talents of Lake Station’s Bill Carns, Brian Kogut (Kouts) and Marty Weisenbacher (Valparaiso).
The small cast gets a chance to offer some vocals.
“They sing a medley of Christmas carols at the end,” said Henry, but noting the tunes are sung in a humorous way.
Chicago Street Theatre keeps the holiday spirit going this month with “A Classical Blast Christmas” at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Cello and violin will be used by the band Classical Blast as it delivers seasonal sounds in a unique style.
Classical Blast includes classically-trained musicians who enjoy rocking out, too. The band is known for bringing a taste of the classical arts to rock and pop music.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)’
Where: Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W. Chicago St., Valparaiso
When: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 20
Tickets: $17- $30
Information: 219-464-1636, ext. 1; www.chicagostreet.org
