Review By M.T. Bennett, Front Row Reviewers
Utah Off Broadway Theatre continues its tradition of inventive seasonal programming with Frightmare Before Christmas, playing until Dec 20. They deliver a playful and offbeat holiday mash-up that leans fully into parody while still delivering a heartfelt theatrical experience. Frightmare Before Christmas embraces the strange overlap time between Halloween chills and Christmas cheer, inviting audiences into a world where spooky mischief and festive optimism collide in the most entertaining ways.
Frightmare Before Christmas opens and instantly involves the audience. Drawing excitement and energy from the start and sets the perfect tone for this satirical and fun-loving production. Under the direction of Eric Jensen, who also plays Dracula, the show maintains a brisk pace and an energetic tone that never overstays its welcome. Jensen’s vision leans into humor first, allowing the absurdity of the premise to guide the storytelling while still grounding the action in clear character relationships.
Jensen is sharp as Dracula and not just his teeth. To make a pun one would say his Dracula…kills. He has the audience dying in fits of laughter and giggles. When needed, jokes win out and carry on. Taking a moment to play on themes and follow the chuckles from the audience create the perfect and unique show which is exactly why one visits a production like this.
The silly and colorful cast fully commits to the style of the piece. Christopher Steck brings charm and physical expressiveness to Zack Skellingtor, crafting a character that feels both whimsical and endearing. His performance anchors much of the show’s emotional throughline, balancing comedy with sincerity. Ever Lord shines as Dolly, offering warmth and personality that complements the show’s more chaotic elements and adds depth to the ensemble dynamic. She also sasses the audience when they laugh too hard.
As Mayor Renfield, Ed Gilmore delivers a confident and entertaining performance, embracing the exaggerated nature of his character. His stage presence adds texture to the world of the show. Matt Davids proves to be a standout with his triple duty as Googley Moogley, Elf on the Shelf, and Daniel Pumpkins, demonstrating impressive versatility and sharp comedic timing as he shifts seamlessly between roles. I have never seen a more creepy Elf of the Shelf, and that is saying something.
DRU steps into the iconic role of Santa Claus with charisma and good-natured humor. This portrayal balances the familiar comforts of the character with an irreverent edge that fits perfectly within the show’s tone. I never expected to see Santa beat three children with impressive WWE moves.
The very best part of the production was when the show involved the audience. A teenager was brought to the audience to give sound effects which the actors had to interpret and follow along. It highlighted the improv talents that this group of actors also performs each Saturday at 10 pm.
Frightmare Before Christmas succeeds because it understands exactly what it wants to be: a fun, slightly twisted holiday romp that invites audiences to laugh at the strange traditions we love with lots of inside Utahan jokes. Utah Off Broadway Theatre once again proves its ability to create engaging, community-driven theater that feels both imaginative and welcoming. Frightmare Before Christmas is a festive reminder that the holidays are even better when a little mischief sneaks in.
The Off Broadway Theatre presents Frightmare Before Christmas by Eric R. Jensen
Alliance Theater at Trolley Square (580 S 600 E SLC, UT 84041)
November 28-December 20
Tickets: $16-20
Contact: 801-355-4628
The Off Broadway Theatre’s Facebook Page
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