Review: Pioneer Theatre Company's IT HAPPENED ONE CHRISTMAS is Fresh, Yet Familiar

The premiere production of Pioneer Theatre Company's original revue, IT HAPPENED ONE CHRISTMAS, is a warm ode to the spirit of the holidays.

IT HAPPENED ONE CHRISTMAS, conceived by Artistic Director Karen Azenberg and Kenneth Jones (playwright of last season's ALABAMA STORY), features the staging of both contemporary showtunes and classic carols, along with treasured Christmas stories. The musical numbers and readings are tied together by an interesting concept: the ghost of past performers are putting on a show to entice Father Christmas to send snow to Salt Lake City.

The real stars of the production are the array of costumes by K.L. Alberts and sets by George Maxwell. They are responsible for much of the wonderfully modern, yet timeless feel of the piece.

As directed and choreographed by Azenberg, IT HAPPENED ONE CHRISTMAS is at times flashy, and at other times subdued, but it's always uplifting.

Songs that have been reimagined in the context of the "ghost story" are the most successful, including "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" from ELF THE MUSICAL as the rousing opening number, and a downcast version of "The Christmas Song/Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire."

The simple pleasures of innocence are on display in a youthful dance number to "Linus & Lucy" and a lovely rendition of "O Tannenbaum," featuring a ravishing Christmas tree.

An original, local twist on "Here We Come A-Caroling," complete with jubilant dancing and a winter wonderland of set and costumes, is a highlight.

The period staging of "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus," paired with "Count Your Blessings" from WHITE CHRISTMAS, is another strong moment in the show. Other sequences that are not fully staged but instead given a more presentational style, such as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and a "12 Days of Christmas" sing-along, do not fare as well.

The rights acquisitions made are impressive, with a number of well-known and beloved songs incorporated. However, some of the choices lack originality and could have been replaced with selections more conducive to musical theatre staging.

Howard Kaye ably leads the cast as the friendly head ghost. The readings and musical numbers, however, are evenly divided among the game cast, with many moments to shine sprinkled throughout the evening.

If you are looking to see a Christmas show with your family that feels at once fresh and familiar, you won't go wrong with this professional production.

IT HAPPENED ONE CHRISTMAS plays through December 19, 2015. For tickets, call the box office at 801-581-6961 or visit www.pioneertheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R: Howard Kaye and Mila Howells. Photo by Alexander Weisman.