Two Christmas-themed plays in the "community theater" category provide alternatives for families in search of a family outing during the holidays. They are "The Christmas Stranger" and Jack Lamb-son's new "Boilerman: A Christmas Story."
While both productions could use some fine-tuning in their scripts (the dialogue in "Christmas Stranger" falls occasionally into the "too cute" trap, while "Boilerman" could be improved with a more dramatic final resolution), the two shows also have many pleasant moments and are, ultimately, satisfying family entertainment.And both contain solid messages about the importance of love, understanding and traditions at Christmastime.
BOILERMAN: A CHRISTMAS STORY, Vine Street Theater, 184 E. Vine St., Murray (about 4950 South), directed by Dave Huber, written by Jack Lambson; continues Dec. 22 and 27-30 at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information or reservations, call 269-8080. All seats $6. May be extended into January. Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Fred Miller is widowed, childless, lonely, guilt-ridden and self-absorbed. The elementary school custodian - nicknamed Boilerman by kids in the school - is content with his private space in the workshop, where he can talk to himself while throwing darts.
He rebuffs pupil Sally when she brings him a homemade Christmas card and is equally abrupt when Miss Wilson offers him a plate of chocolate chip cookies and when Mr. Pembroke, the principal, invites him to dinner.
Then "Boilerman" shifts into an intriguing "fantasy" mode and Miller, performed superbly by Rodney Johnston, suddenly finds himself in the middle of a contest between "Hope" and "Despair," being adjudicated by wise old Father Time.
Through it all, Roger Lambson (Randal Clark on alternating nights), portrays a character known only as Saxophone . . . with the soulful sounds of the sax acting as Miller's musical conscience.
The cast, directed by Dave Huber, included Toni Schmitt, James Platt and Shannon Sipe in multiple roles.
All were very good, especially Johnston as the angry custodian, Darin Hunt as the cocky Despair, Kimberly Duke as the everoptimistic Hope (the only thing missing in her attire was a pair of rose-colored glasses), and Howard Kempton as kindly Father Time.
Another plus: The old pews have been replaced with former Salt Palace seats. - Ivan M. Lincoln
THE CHRISTMAS STRANGER, Broadway Family Theater, 272 S. Main; remaining performances Dec. 17, 18 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. All seats $5 in advance ($10 at the door). Group rates available. For information or reservations, call Dan Whitley Studios, 561-7377, or the box office at 364-2705.
You might think a musical built around a central figure who is afflicted with terminal cancer would be fairly dark and somber.
But "The Christmas Stranger," inspired by the courageous, true-life experiences of Daniel Clarke Whitley (who died Nov. 7, 1987, shortly after he turned 13), is surprisingly upbeat.
Danny's family (which in real life is about a third as large as the play's fictitious one) is portrayed by the Goodmans - Steve and Claudia and their 12 offspring. If Dan Whitley ever produces "Cheaper by the Dozen" he has the perfect cast already in place.
Eleven-year-old Mark Goodman plays Danny, who is dying of brain cancer, with Christopher R. Miller as Danny's "Christmas Stranger," a country singer named Greg Robbins who drops in when his car stalls en route from Nashville to his aunt's home in Elko, Nev.
Danny's two bumbling "uncles" (not really related to him, but two aides from the hospital where the boy had been treated), offer to help repair the car. Uncle Dan and Uncle Walt, portrayed by brothers Marin and Troy Gogan, go a little overboard in providing the show's comedy relief. They are very funny, but the broad slapstick is jarring in contrast to the dramatic undertone of the story itself.
Some of the dialogue seemed superficial (at one point it's like sentences were dropped in just so everyone on stage - from 5-year-old Aimee on up - could take turns saying something). The biggest problem, though, is packing 14 songs (20 if you count the separate pieces in the "Nativity Medley") and a heartwarming story all into the space of one hour and 5 minutes. - Ivan M. Lincoln