(Richard Kline in CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS, photo by Mike Marques)

by Tim Leininger

HARTFORD — I’ve been reviewing theater for nine years and there are few shows that I look forward to seeing in repeat viewing, but there are a few shows that I look forward to every time they come around. One of them is TheaterWorks Hartford’s outrageously funny annual Christmas comedy Christmas on the Rocks, a series of Christmas tales set in a small bar written by John Cariani, Jenn Harris, Jeffrey Hatcher, Jacques Lamarre, Edwin Sánchez, and Matthew Wilkas, conceived and directed by Rob Ruggiero. This year’s production is running through Dec. 23 at TheaterWorks Hartford at 233 Pearl St. in Hartford, Connecticut.

            If Hartford Stage’s annual production of A Christmas Carol is the official office party with all the cultural prestige with trimmings and cheer, TheaterWorks Hartford’s Christmas on the Rocks is the drunken after party where everyone lets their more carnal natures loose for 100 minutes. It’s decadently adult with hilarious antics that has the audience rolling in their seats year after year.

            Set in a bar on Christmas Eve, a bartender, Larry, played with eternal patience by Richard Kline (“Three’s Company”), has his bar open for any lost souls looking for a holiday pick-me-up. Over the course of the play different characters from Christmas movies, television specials, and a ballet come in, mature now with the weight of the world on their shoulders. To the best of his ability, Larry helps each patron out to bring them around to the holiday spirit again.

(Richard Kline and Jen Cody in CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS. Photo by Mike Marques)

            There are nine scenes total, and one of the things that keeps Christmas on the Rocks fresh is the rotation of scenes that come in and out of the show. For the past several years the It’s a Wonderful Life scene had been cut in favor of several new scenes. It has returned this year with an adult Zuzu, played by the eternally funny Jen Cody, being accosted by angels wanting their wings. It returns with a new, gleefully macabre finale that I think is great in reengaging the audience. The scene replaces the “Frosty the Snowman” scene where an adult Karen has melted Frosty. But fret not those who are disappointed by the scene’s absence. Karen does appear for a prelude. Think of it as a sequel to previous events if you’ve seen the Karen scene in previous years.

            Also back is a revamped A Christmas Story scene, replacing the “Little Drummer Boy” scene. An adult Ralphie, now played by new cast member Matthew McGloin, has had an unfortunate accident and is having marital problems due to a certain pink bunny costume fetish. I always felt this scene was solid and am happy to see it back with some new material thrown in for good measure. If there’s one problem with Christmas on the Rocks it’s the overabundance of quality scenes to choose from. If all of them were done it would make it overlong, so I’m glad rotating them in and out works. It helps keep everything fresh for the audience and the cast.

            Other scenes included this year are my two favorites. The first is the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” scene where an out and proud Hermey the Misfit Elf comes in dreading a party in Rudolph’s honor, as Hermey had recently sabotaged Rudolph’s career. McGloin has embraced the outlandishness of the scene, and the broad bawdy humor throughout. The second is the Nutcracker scene where Clara laments her fading looks while her eternally youthful Nutcracker husband is likely cheating on her. The biting wit and banter between Clara and Larry is sharp and funny as Clara shows her own insecurities about her own age lashing out at Larry’s age. Cody and Kline are an excellent team and Cody’s physical humor throughout makes this a standout scene.

(Richard Kline in CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS, photo by Mike Marques)

            The rest of the show includes a Home Alone scene and an “Elf on the Shelf” scene, and of course the “A Charlie Brown Christmas” finale. All three are just as delightful and hilarious as the rest, with the Charlie Brown scene closing the show with a beautiful bit of sentimentalism that doesn’t get too sappy for the over-the-top nature of the rest of the show.

            Michael Schweikardt’s set design is fantastic as always. The bar feels lived in and the imagination can fill in the scent of stale beer that undoubtedly stains the hardwood floors. I encourage everyone to take a hard look at it before the show begins and find the Easter eggs throughout of items from the shows the play parodies.

            Christmas on the Rocks is a hysterical adult holiday comedy that keeps on giving every year, with new twists and fond memories. It’s a tradition that I celebrate every year and invite everyone to come and join as well.

CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS

TICKETS: https://twhartford.org/

PRODUCTION: Written by John Cariani, Jenn Harris, Jeffrey Hatcher, Jacques Lamarre, Edwin Sánchez, and Matthew Wilkas; Conceived and Directed by Rob Ruggiero; Set Design: Michael Schweikardt; Costume Design: Alejo Vietti; Lighting Design John Lasiter; Sound Design: Michael Miceli; Wig Design: J. Jared Janas; Associate Sound Design: Adam Bintz; Stage manager: Tom Kosis; Casting: Alaine Alldaffer/Lisa Donadio, Alldaffer & Donadio Casting

CAST

Jen Cody as The Woman

Richard Kline as The Bartender

Matthew McGloin as The Man