A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol

December 2, 2006 Jill Orr, Kane County Chronicle

If you’re looking for something to put you in the holiday spirit, be sure to stop by the Fortinbras Theater at Batavia’s First Street Playhouse and catch their production of A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol. The program describes the show as “Fargo” meets “Scrooge” without the wood chipper and the Cratchits.

The show is set in northern Minnesota on Christmas Eve in a tiny bar. The owner (Gunner) is working behind the bar while his wife (Clara) decorates the Christmas tree. The owner of the local hardware store chain (Kanute) is their sole customer. Gunner is not excited about Christmas and would prefer to forget all the nonsense.

The karaoke machine at the bar keeps mis-functioning and every time someone says a word that is in the title of a song, it begins to play and someone jumps to the microphone to perform. All the songs on the karaoke machine were written by Sven Jorgensen who dated Clara long ago. Gunner helped Sven write the songs, but is bitter because he has never received any money or recognition for them. The trio are joined by a former employee (Bernice) who ran off with the karaoke salesman. She has returned to the north country and wants her job back. Kanute who was engaged to her before she ran off, wants to pick up where they left off.

Gunner goes out on his snowmobile and has an accident. He ends up in a coma and is treated to a visit by Sven Jorgenson. Sven explains that Gunner will be visited by three spirits, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. His experiences with the spirits affect him, and Gunner comes out of his coma a changed man.

The production is a silly off-beat comedy that inspires laughter. The comedy is reminiscent of the Christmas song “Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer”.

The cast is a small ensemble of five that work well together. They all perform their roles with enthusiasm and gusto. Tony Shannon (Gunner) revels in his comic moments and is poignant in the serious ones.

Amy Vandenburg (Clara) proves her comic ability once again and turns in a wonderful, quirky performance.

Holly Fishburn (Bernice) and Wil Kight (Kanute) both show great versatility in their roles. Ms. Fishburn transforms from an outdoors girl to a lounge singer with ease. One of her funniest songs is one she performs as Tiny Tim. Mr. Kight has a strong stage presence that draws you to his character at all times.

Mike Pesch (Sven) is cast perfectly as the Hollywood dreamboat who possesses both looks and charm that make the ladies swoon.

The only problem with the production is that there are moments, especially in act two, where it is difficult to hear the actors when they sing. Either the musical accompaniment needs to be turned down, or the actors need to project more.

A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol is an ideal outing for your office Christmas party or for a delightful evening of entertainment. The production continues through December 19. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 pm. Sunday matinees are at 2 pm. Reservations may be made by contacting the box office at 406-6367.