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Two New Characters Drop by the Bar in Christmas on the Rocks

Time flies when you have an annual Christmas play that seems more enjoyable each year. It is hard to imagine that it was ten years ago that TheaterWorks Hartford premiered Christmas on the Rocks.

Now it is back with some new scenes and a cast of returning actors, running through Friday, Dec. 23

The premise is simple–we all remember the Christmas movies and TV shows that featured children as central characters. What happens when these children become adults? Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero found six contemporary playwrights to each take one of these children and write a scene about them. Each character drops into “a local bar in a lonely corner of the cosmos” on Christmas Eve and regales the bartender with his or her story.

Two new characters visit the bar this year; the adult Tiny Tim is missing.

The new scenes are “The Snitch”–about the Elf on the Shelf and “Drumsticks and Chili” about the Little Drummer Boy. Of these two, “The Snitch” is the most successful, even though it is not really about a grown-up elf. The playlet written by Jenn Harris does manage to bring in a toxic workplace environment. The Little Drummer Boy playlet needs work or to be rethought. It was harder to get into the character and seemed forced. It also wasn’t as funny as the others.

My favorites remain “All Grown Up” about Ralphie from The Christmas Story,” “Say It Glows” about Hermie and Rudolph from the TV cartoon, and “Merry Christmas, Blockhead” about Charlie Brown and the Little Red-Haired Girl. The finale of the show is the only one that features all three actors.

Returning for the third year as the bartender is the wonderful Ted Lange. His performance has deepened in over time. He listens, asks questions, and reacts to their stories. Some of you will remember Lange from his role as the Bartender on The Love Boat, which in the very last scene is referenced to the audience’s delight.

But as you wait for the play to begin, snippets of the original works are shown, and you can take a close look at the wonderful set by Michael Schweikdardt. It is a seedy bar (think 1950s), and as you look, pay attention to the props; you will see a lamp in the shape of a leg, a reindeer, and more, all alluding to the works referenced in the plays.

Harry Bouvey who was the first to play the male characters, returns to the cast. He is terrific. You might not recognize him as he totally morphs into each character. I was taken with his facial reactions; they were great.

This year Jennifer Cody plays the female characters–from Zuzu (It’s a Wonderful Life”), who has been traumatized by bells; Karen from the animated TV Frosty the Snowman; Clara from The Nutcracker and ending with the Little Red-Haired Girl. Her characters are more exaggerated than Harrison’s, but she still creates tender moments. Her best role was in “The Snitch” as the elf on the shelf.

Christmas on the Rocks is a little bit cynical, a little bit “adult,” and yet provides some very touching moments.

For tickets, visit TWHartford.org.