Local Looks: ‘Every Christmas Story Ever Told’ brings holiday humor
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- “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)” is playing through Dec. 23, 2024, at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo.
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- “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)” is playing through Dec. 23, 2024, at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo.
The Covey Center for the Arts in Provo presents “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)” this Christmas season. This production will surely bring out the laughs and possibly a few tears as it quickly becomes a new holiday favorite.
Written by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald and John K. Alvarez and directed by Skye Cummins, the play is a snapshot of beloved Christmas classics and some fun surprises. The storytelling is fast-paced and full of clever jokes and wholesome, heartwarming humor.
The story begins with an honest attempt to tell the old classic “A Christmas Carol” but quickly digresses when the cast decides to set the story aside and instead try to tell every holiday story possible, including — but not limited to — Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the Grinch and “It’s A Wonderful Life.” All the while, little snippets of holiday customs around the world are added.
What stood out to me during the performance was the quick-witted humor that was on constant display throughout the night. The humor was refreshing and creative, an almost chaotic blend of classic jokes, pop culture references and improvisational humor. It was hard to catch my breath sometimes because of how well the comedic timing was. Not only were the jokes funny, but the cast themselves had an infectious energy that really sold the jokes.
The Covey Center’s cast, which rotates depending on the night, brings this comedic production to life with impressive versatility, switching between characters, accents and costumes at lightning speed. I went on a Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday cast night, so my cast consisted of Dave Nutter, Jacob Lau Smith Tice and Tanner Frederikson. All three were perfectly paired and did fantastic jobs in their performances. The cast is Brandtley Henderson, Joel Applegate and Tice on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights.
Currently being shown in the intimate Black Box Theater, it feels like the crowd is a part of the play. With a minimal set and lots of props, it’s hard not to feel sucked in as though you are a part of the performance itself.
If you’re looking for a new holiday classic to add to your traditions or want to see a new and refreshing Christmas show, you won’t want to miss the Covey Center production of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” This production will leave you laughing all night long and with a smile on your face well after the show. This performance is perfect for families, friends and anyone who wants a good laugh this Christmas season.
Be sure to catch a show; they run every night until Dec. 23, and that’s not all. The Covey Center has a few more festive events, with “The Nutcracker,” “An Improvised Christmas” and Mariachi Guzman playing throughout the month. You can get tickets at the Covey Centers website or the box office.
