An engaging 'Another Night Before Christmas'

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Don Forston plays the Guy in "Another Night Before Christmas," which also features Hollis Resnik as Karol Elliot. | Michael Brosilow photo

‘ANOTHER NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS’

♦ Through Dec. 18, with shows at 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays

♦ Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind.

♦ Tickets, $36-$40

♦ (800) 511-1552 or (219) 836-3255; TheatreAtTheCenter.com

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• ‘Another Night Before Christmas’ to Dec. 18

Maps

Updated: December 26, 2011 8:26AM

A divorced social worker with a chip on her shoulder, nothing to look forward to and no reason to live meets a homeless bum on Christmas Eve.

She offers him some food and goes home prepared to spend the holiday eve on her own.

She’s so despondent that she doesn’t answer her parent’s phone call or that of a young man interested in her.

When the homeless man, who sports a big belly and a white beard, finds his way into her home, she thinks he’s a burglar. But he insists he is Santa Claus.

Is he a delusional old man who just believes he is St. Nick or is he the real thing?

That question is at the center of “Another Night Before Christmas,” which is in its Midwest premiere at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Ind.

The premise sounds a lot like the theme of the 1947 movie “Miracle on 34th Street” about a disbelieving child and mother.

Indeed, “Another Night Before Christmas” does follow in the footsteps of that film classic, but it’s more up-to-date.

As in the cinematic version, “Another Night Before Christmas” features a young woman, Karol Elliot, who hasn’t believed in myths, fantasies and anything out of the ordinary since she was 6 years old.

She has shut her heart not only to Christmas, but to love, friendship and family.

With book and lyrics written by Sean Grennan and music by Leah Okimoto, the show is a fun comedy for the holidays.

There’s plenty of laughs and good cheer here to make the show a Christmas staple, but there are a few scenes that the playwright could invigorate with a bit more action.

Although Bill Bartelt’s set design of red pillows, a big evergreen, gifts under the tree and a choo-choo train does summon the happy atmosphere of the holiday, the show is not all syrupy sweetness and jingle bells.

Well directed by William Pullinsi, the show centers on redemption, which is what Christmas is supposed to be about.

What makes the musical comedy special, though, are the performances of two of Chicago’s most talented actors.

Don Forston as the jolly old man in the red suit gives the performance of his career.

He delivers a hilarious send-up of Santa as a smart-alecky, sharp-witted and charming miracle worker.

Portraying Karol is actress, comedienne and singer Hollis Resnik, who is worth the price of admission to any show she is in.

Resnik not only delivers on the dark side of the woman at the end of her rope, but comes through with great comedic verve, especially in fights with a security system.

“Another Night Before Christmas” offers an engaging way to celebrate the festive season.

A note of warning: This is a sharp, sophisticated and hip production that is more for adults than young children.

But then again, adults need Christmas as much as kids do.

Betty Mohr is a local free-lance writer.

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

In celebration of the holiday season, Theatre at the Center will gift its patrons with some additions to performances of “Another Night Before Christmas,” which runs through Dec. 18 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind.

♦ Throughout the entire run, Theatre at the Center will host the second annual Coats for Kids Drive for new winter coats, hats, scarves and/or gloves for ages 3 to 18. Those who donate will be entered to win two tickets to a production in the theater’s 2012 season.

♦ “Another Night Before Christmas” will highlight the performance at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 26 with a second Saturday Symposia. This free behind-the-scenes preshow discussion, led by a distinguished expert, is designed to enrich the theatergoing experience. Reservations are required.

♦ An “Another Night Before Christmas” holiday buffet will take place on Dec. 8 and 16. Created by the Center for Visual and Performing Arts’ award-winning chef, the buffet will be located across from the theater lobby. The cost will be $55.25 for both the buffet and performance.