BWW Reviews: EVERY CHRISTMAS EVER TOLD Gifts Laughter to Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) opened their annual showing of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) over the weekend. To put it simply, it was very funny and with just a 4 person cast, they really managed to abridge almost every BHC (Beloved Holiday Classic). This review will be a little different because there is no need for a 'not so good' section. The only thing I would say that could even be construed as negative is that some of the jokes may go over the heads of children or if you don't know anything about a particular story they cover.

The good: The cast. While only 3 performed the actual stories, Miranda McGee as Drunk Santa stole the show. CSC allows the audience to write comments or questions to Drunk Santa that she may read and answer after intermission and that was the best thing about the show. I wanted her to just do that for the rest of the show. I don't know if she made up her responses on the fly or if director Jeremy Dubin wrote them but either way it was hilarious. Billy Chase, Sara Clark and Justin McCombs played themselves and all had their advantages. Justin McCombs was the funniest of the bunch and played every ridiculous character great. I would call Billy Chase's portray of funny as more sophisticated than McCombs. Clark was the least funny of them all but she had the most dialogue (and it was difficult dialogue at some points) and her acting in the second act was incredible. You will understand what I mean if you see the show.

Overall, this is a perfect show for adults and some children this holiday season. My top choice of all holiday shows to be exact. It is only running for another week and a half so see it while you can.

Every Christmas Ever Told (And Then Some) is running until December 29 at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and is directed by Jeremy Dubin.