By McKenzie Synal
The Desert Star Playhouse truly lives up to its motto, “It’s always fun at the Desert Star!” This was my first time visiting the local Murray playhouse and I’m sure it won’t be my last. Their holiday show this season, A White Christmas Story, is a mash up of two Christmas classic films that provide a night of laughter and joy for people of all ages.
This show is triple cast, and the cast is nonstop energy. Britty Marie, who plays Emma, has fantastic comedic timing and stole the stage during all of her numbers. Marie is my favorite character and she made me laugh every time she spoke, and despite mishaps she stayed in character and interacted beautifully with the audience. She specifically shines in Act Two during the cast’s parody version of “Let it Go”. The cast’s interpretive dancing and exaggerated facial expressions easily made it my favorite number. Another crowd pleaser song is Marie’s duet with Marc Reading who plays General Motors. He brings just the right military energy to the role and it is a surprising twist to see Reading and Marie dance and sing a re-imagined version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Boy, can they dance. The Musical Director Maren Hansen knows exactly where to place the songs to keep the audience entertained and hungry for more.
The dynamic duo of cousins, Melissa Cecala as Judy Haynes and Rio LaFevre as Dot Haynes are the perfect complement to the leading men, the Knight Riders, Brett Myers as Mac Knight with Trenton James as Rusty “Red” Rider. This quartet keep the energy up with their antics and are especially fun to watch in the dances arranged by Choreographer Kerstin Hallows. Myers is the punchline to many a short joke and continually saves T. James’ life during the show.
Be sure to watch Bryan Dayley as Ralphie Finch. His facial expressions are hilarious and Dayley’s dancing during the musical numbers is a flawless showcase of awkward, lovable Ralphie. Kyle Larsen as Finius Finch, Ralphie’s father has the villain part down pat, complete with raised eyebrows and a devilish smirk. Dayley and Larsen do a bad guy rendition of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”that had new lyrics and a twist to fit the plot. At the end of the show, Larsen’s character acknowledges he is the worst father ever, but is corrected by another cast member exclaiming, “No, Finnius, Darth Vader is the worst father ever…you’re second–or even third…”
Brittany James is Suzy Motors and Ralphie’s crush. Dayley and B. James are excellent portraying adults bringing their childhood characters to life with their funny interactions on stage and feeding into their characters with happy exaggerations. B. James’ make-up, hairstyle, and costuming added to her childlike innocence and quickly make her a loveable character. In fact, she was my table mate’s favorite cast member.
A White Christmas Story uses props and settings to fully immerse you in the holiday scenes. Set Designer Ken Lineberry as well as the Builders, Painters, and Props team: Kent Parker, Joseph May, Corie Sorenson, and Brooklynn Kohler deserve a special shout out for the ski lift scene, which is a treat for the audience to watch. The cast is carried across the stage with snow capped trees in front and a blue and white cloudy sky projected by the Video & Projection team: Jae Varela, Brytan Todd, Ben Thompson with special thanks to KUTV 2 News. Video is key in this show’s set and design with projections during most of the show are seamlessly integrated with the foreground set pieces.
After A White Christmas Story, there is the Secret Santa-olio, which is a compilation of holiday songs, some re-imagined and some heartwarming classics. Gag gifts given to each cast member in turn and it is clear that the cast get along well and are genuinely having fun performing with each other. The ensemble looks dashing and elegant in suits and green and red dresses thanks to the Costume Design team Bryant Todd, and Lee Daily. The highlight of the olio are the songs “Jingle Bells due to its beautiful vocals and smooth melodies, as well as “Fruitcake”, which is laugh out loud funny and complemented with festive accessories by the costume team.
This wonderful experience from beginning to end wouldn’t be possible without the production team, Directors Brooklyn Kohler and Matt Kohler, who also updated the script. The writer Scott Holman, Light Design by Bronson Todd and Sound Design by Brytan Todd all make up a team that works well together, is shown in every aspect of the show.
Desert Star is the epitome of dinner theater, combining the best of both worlds seamlessly with delicious food and an engaging theater performance. Neither detracts from the other and both elevate the overall experience. The actors frequently broke the fourth wall with off the cuff remarks causing the audience to enthusiastically jump into their roles by answering questions, booing, and cheering the villain and hero, as prompted by the accompanist Jill Flanagan.
This Christmas production is guaranteed to bring delightful holiday spirit and keep the whole family laughing throughout the night. I’d recommend it for kids ages 5 and up, as long as they are familiar with classic Christmas movies. This ensures they will understand the many quick-witted jokes and turn of phrases used throughout the production.
Desert Star Playhouse presents A White Christmas Story by Scott Holman.
Desert Star Playhouse, 4861 S. State St., Murray, UT 84107 (ample parking behind the theater)
November 10 – December 31, 2022, days and times vary. Check their website.
Tickets: Children $16.95, Adults $29.95 (Prices increase after Dec. 2nd)
Contact: 801-266-2600
Desert Star Playhouse Facebook Page
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