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Victorian Players’ triple-header brings Christmas cheer
By ERIC McCREA
YOUNGSTOWN
The Victorian Players chased away the bah-humbugs with their annual show “In the Spirit of Christmas.” Three one-act plays take to the stage, with some traditional characters and some new ones.
The first story, “Christmas in the Land of Oz,” finds Dorothy Gale, played by Morgan La Camera, not searching for the Wizard, but instead trying to find some Christmas joy for Auntie Em (Sarah Schut) and Uncle Henry (Gary Deckant). She’s aided by her trio of friends and takes on the Wicked Witch of the Northwest, played by Catena Core. There’s no Wizard to grant their wishes this time, but Wanda June, played by Brandi Hughes, promises to take care of business.
Overall, the story is enough of a step away from the original to keep you interested, but the pacing was slowed somewhat by the cuteness overload of more than a dozen adorable children. However, they were delightful to watch in their munchkin costumes.
Hughes is a ray of light as the Good Witch of the Southwest. She was packed full of energy and persona.
Roan Thomas was another standout as Captain Simian, leader of the flying monkeys. He shows no fear on stage.
The second play, “Christmas with Little Women,” takes the holiday-themed chapters of the Louisa May Alcott novel. The March sisters help their mother with her charitable acts, causing Beth (Elaine Huncik) to catch scarlet fever.
There was no spin or modern twist added to the story this time, just excerpts that focused on Christmas. As a whole, the cast felt more like a live reading than a play, with recitation replacing acting. Anyone who isn’t familiar with the story might find themselves a little lost.
In the third play, “An Implausible Claus,” we find Aaron Lefkowitz, played by Sam Luptak Jr., manning the Santa Hotline from his room in a retirement home. When young Jensie (Hannah Planey) arrives searching for the real Santa Claus, she instead finds a grumpy, lonely old man. The two quickly become friends.
Planey is impressive, able to hold her own with a seasoned theater veteran. Her tempo was precise and her lines were spot on. Luptak is admirable as the reluctant baby sitter. He’s able to make the audience laugh, as well as tear up.
Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Call 330-746-5455.