Is ‘Don’t Hug Me’ good? You betcha!

by Christopher Trussell

Watch out! Those Olson brothers Phil and Paul are at it again with rib-tickling fun in their take on the annual favorite “A Christmas Carol.”

This year it’s called “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol.”

Besides being entertaining, it gives the opportunity to renew our acquaintance with the original characters of their “Don’t Hug Me” from last year.

Yes, they are all back: Clara, who longs for her husband, Gunner, to have a change of heart; the stubborn Gunner; Kanute, who is still hoping for the hand of Bernice, who has dreams of a singing career; and smooth Sven who offers to take Bernice away from Gunner and Clara’s Bunyan Bay Bar to make her mark in the city. The cast of Bonni Allen, Ross Young, Doug Anderson, Jennifer Maren and Dan Hopman respectively fit their roles like well-fitting shoes.

In this show, Gunner and Clara get in a fight over celebrating Christmas. Gunner goes snowmobiling and falls through the ice. He ends up in a coma and is visited by Sven. Sven takes him on a journey similar to that of Scrooge in which he sees what happens when he isn’t there.

The score contains 17 singable music numbers. In particular, “The Christmas Cheese Polka,” “It’s Christmas Time So Please Give Me Some” and “I’d Rather Be Naughty” bring smiles to the audience members’ faces.

The choreography by Liz Moynihan Olsen (who also co-directs), though simple in its staging, gives the right added touch of sparkle. The other half of the directing team is Peter Moore, who is the founder and artistic director of the New Classic Theatre.

“A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol,” with its generous borrowing from Charles Dickens, offers an evening of homegrown humor. It’s a great slice of Minnesota nice for this Christmas season. Oh yes, you betcha!

This is the opinion of Times theater critic Christopher Trussell. He holds degrees in music and fine arts from the Trinity College of Music in London. He has master’s degrees in theology.

If you go …

What: “A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol.”When: 2 p.m. today and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23. All other shows sold out.Tickets: $24 for adults, $19 for students and seniors.Information or tickets: 203-0331 weekdays; 203-1233 after hours or on weekends; or online at www.ppfive.com.