A beautifully preserved RCA radio in the wallpapered parlor magically turns on and an announcer invites the Desert Star Playhouse audience to "standby for excitement" . . . and an entertaining adventure on the streets of New York in 1933 - deep in the Great Depression.
Blind apple vendor Jonathan (Scott Holman) peddles his wares while rambunctious and optimistic "newsie" Nicholas (Mary Jo Eisenbraun) hawks the hopeful "Good News!" hot off the presses . . . tap-dancing usher Eddie and deli waitress Ginger (Ken Grazier and DeeLayna Carter) wish Florenz Ziegfeld would invite them in for an audition . . . down-at-the-heels toymaker Mr. Tubbs (Stephen D. Kerr) enjoys sharing his meager belongings . . . and spoilsports Mr. Big and Roxy LaRue (Norman E. Plate and Melissa Rasmussen) use every clever tactic they can to create holiday havoc.At the center of the plot is a tiny music box - a gift from congenial Mr. Tubbs to orphaned Nicholas.
Ah, but this is no run-of-the-mill bric-a-brac. If you truly believe - and if you're pure of heart - the box is able to deliver three wishes.
Before the heart-tugging evening is over, there are some lessons to be learned. One is that no matter how plain and simple boxes (or people) may appear, they can actually be quite remarkable.
Dancing their way through "Charisma" at the New York Deli, Nicky, Ginger and Eddie agree that "everyone's got two hands, two feet and a heart - and something special that sets them apart."
Later, when Roxy and Mr. Big are anxiously plotting to separate Nicholas from his treasured magic box ("I'm Makin' a Plan"), the small-time gangster opines, "It's gonna be brilliant and sublime . . . the perfect rotten crime."
Director Edward J. Gryska's cast is in fine form, singing the show's half-dozen or so original songs and presenting the usual assortment of melodramatic comedy.
Michael Maines' script and Eric Erickson's music and lyrics are a welcome addition to Salt Lake's filled-to-overflowing plate of theatrical Christmas goodies.
"Just a Little Bit of Magic" goes beyond the normal high-spirited Desert Star Playhouse fare, delivering a show that touches on faith, optimism and forgiveness.
- THE POST-SHOW OLIOS, directed and choreographed by Jayne Luke, allowed the cast to change into festive Christmas sweaters for a fast-paced revue of jolly carols and seasonal ballads.
The real showstopper here was Stephen D. Kerr's "I'm a Happy Christmas Tree" - decked out in a truly incredible costume. (Was it a "fir" coat?")
The olios also offered a medley of ethnic carols, including "It's Christmas in Kilarny," by Norman Plate, "The Merry Christmas Polka," by the ensemble, and Scott Holman's rendition of Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad" (although I don't recall "I wish you a bean burrito" as part of the lyrics).
Comedy bits included a commercial for "Manger 6 . . . There's always room for you at this inn . . . We'll leave a star out for you" and a gangster making Santa Claus a "protection" offer he can't refuse.
From solos to ensemble numbers to an audience sing-along, Luke's talent for artfully moving dancers and singers around on stage (even one as small as DSP's) is evident . . . and entertaining.
Kudos, too, to pianist/musical director Sue Talmage, scenery designer Seven Nielsen, lighting designer Brad V. Olsen and costumer Ruth Todd.