What better way to get in to the Christmas spirit than with a feel-good musical? One that contains a love story, belief in things you can’t see and a reminder about generosity of spirit towards others. The theatre was packed with both children and adults and a buzz in the air with anticipation of some Christmas spirit.
The show started with spotlights roving all over the stage and audience, there is lots of excitement, it’s the Macys thanksgiving parade and everyone is ready, excitedly dashing about in sequinned band costumes, except this year's temporary Father Christmas who has passed out drunk. Panic stations, what is Doris Walker, (Caitlin Berry) who is in charge of special events going to do? In her panic she turns to see a man who looks just perfect for the job, he is berating the drunk Father Christmas. Kris Kringle (Tim Parker) is persuaded to step in to join the parade and work in store for the season.
Outside crowds are gathering for the parade and children wait with excitement, all except one little girl, Susan, (Maddison Thew), an old head on young shoulders she doesn’t believe in Father Christmas, her mother hires him for the season for the store at two dollars an hour. She is sat reading her paper when Fred Bailey her neighbour (Stuart Reid) ask her why she isn’t coming to see the parade and persuades her it will be fun, despite her cynicism she goes along and it begins the start of a friendship. At work in the department store Kris causes a stir as all the children begin to believe he is the real Father Christmas, all except Susan whose mother Doris has taught her to believe only in what you can see, feel, taste or touch. When Father Christmas asks Susan how he might help her believe she says that she will if she gets a farm, with a swing and a cow in the garden and a real father. Kris is credited to bringing sales up in Macys and bringing good will by also helping their rival store Grimbles and in revenge for taking his job he is then accused of assault by the originally-hired Santa who was drunk. With the help of Fred, Doris takes Kris’s case to court and also gets support from the public and all the children who do believe in him. Fred has the task of proving not only does Father Christmas exist but that Kris is the real thing. Can they do it?
Caitlin Berry gave an exceedingly strong performance as Doris Walker, a modern woman with no room for a man in her life, the songs showed off her fantastic vocal range, some soft melodic and others fast paced, guaranteed to keep you riveted. Tim Parker who played Kris Kringle was exactly how you imagine Father Christmas to look, a very believable performance and no child could be scared of him. Stuart Reid played the convincing part of a bachelor, he’s just become a lawyer and has no time for women romantically in his life and as fond as he is of Susan isn’t looking to be a father figure either. Maddison Thew was Susan, Doris Walker's little girl, she had just the right amount of sassiness and cynicism for the part but showed the vulnerability of children and gave some excellent vocal performances.
The set itself was well designed like stacked-up Christmas presents that easily adapted to different scenes like the inside of the store, the top of the apartment and the courthouse.
The choreography of the dances were well timed and energetic and humorous in places and costume changes went well with cast members who played more than one part. They switched effortlessly from one role to another.
This is definitely a must see show, especially if you have younger children. Its fast paced, funny in places and kept my companion and I entertained throughout.
Reviewer - Catherine Gall
on - 11/121/9
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