Jolly Old Saint

Review

Review from Tolucan Times and Canyon Crier : Dec. 3, 2004
By Mary Mallory

The Christmas season becomes a frazzled dervish of a time for families, filled with shopping, decorating, and busy-ness instead of a time for reflection, love, and inspiration. "Jolly Old Saint" highlights the true cause for celebration, the birth of Christ, in this entertaining production by the First Light Players.

Santa exhibits frustration at the commercialization of Christmas and decides to educate the public by first visiting New York City.  Upon arriving, he's injured in a car accident with the Dugan family, who takes him in and nurses him to health.  While there, he inspires changes among Dugan family members Eric (Peter Goldberg) learns the value of loyalty, Shauna (Kendra Jones) the value of friendship, Roger (Derek Burke) the value of following your dream. Peace and love reign.

Playwright Greg Beastrom incorporates witty contemporary touches in his script with mentions of "Fear Factor," "Extreme Makeover," "Kill Bill," dysfunctional families, and Game Boys along with its inspirational message.

Director Cathy Holbrook inspires her cast to energetic, enthusiastic performances.  Derek Burke does outstanding work as Roger Dugan, a worried, driven man torn by doubt and frustration.  He captures the insecurity and bitterness of a man unable to find his true calling.  Beastrom ably portrays the tough, sarcastic elf leader, Sarge, and a wise guy, Brooklyn department store Santa.  He brings a bit of bite to the sweet production.

Ken Jones possesses a warm, charming presence as Santa, looking to bring peace and joy to the world instead of crass commercialism.  Olivia Gowan provides flair and sparkle to the role of Jewel, the North Pole fashionista.  Ilene Kelsey's Christmas angel brings down the house with her little girl voice, giggly charm and flirty manner.

Costumes show humor and flair, particularly the angel costume which is composed of Christmas ribbon bows, ornament necklace and cotton ball wings. Songs also set the mood for a nostalgic, family Christmas that evokes simpler times.

The First Light Players continues their mission of presenting productions that promote Christ's story of hope and redemption.

Overview

Mere weeks before Christmas, a disgruntled Santa goes on a journey to remind mankind of the true meaning of Christmas. After a sudden accident, he winds up with the Dugans, who are frantically preparing for crazy relatives visiting their home for the holidays. To make matters worse, Santa has amnesia! It may take the combined efforts of Santa's elves and a Christmas Angel to save Santa from the Dugans, jog his memory and get him back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. It's another ensemble comedy designed to fill your holidays with laughter.

Cast

SANTA - Ken Jones
STORE SANTA - Greg Beastrom
ROGER - Derek Burke
EMILY - Robyn Thomas
SCOTT - Richard Fayle
CRYSTAL - Clarissa Raeen
ERIC - Peter Goldberg
SHAUNA - Kendra Jones
DOROTHY - Kay Dease
RACHEL - Jessica McGriff
TIFFANY - Whitney Rutland
BAMBI - Raeann McGriff
VANESSA - Renny Lewis
CHRISTMAS ANGEL - Ilene Kelsey

ELVES:
SARGE - Greg Beastrom
FRIZZLE - Kay Dease
JEWEL - Olivia Gowan
HEDLEY - Whitney Rutland
ACE - Renny Lewis
SCOOTER - Raeann McGriff

SIMEON - Kendra Jones
SIMEON'S MOTHER - Raeann McGriff
WWII. BRITISH LIEUTENANT - Derek Burke
WOMAN ON THE STREET - Ilene Kelsey

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