The Christmas season is filled with all kinds of activities and events that give us precious memories. For many, the memories of Christmas as a child bring some of the sweetest to mind. And that is what A Child’s Christmas in Wales is all about; recalling what Christmas was like in days gone by from the viewpoint of a child. This show playing at Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey marks their return to their main indoor stage at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre in Madison. This presentation seems to fit so well with the company’s return to their home base after dealing with CoVid and the complications brought with it. Perhaps we need something to help us through this next phase of the life changing events of the past two years. This show is right on target for that task.
A Child’s Christmas in Wales has been performed several times by this Company and it is a crowd pleaser. The last time was in 2016 and I wrote about it. It remains one of my favorite holiday selections. It is based on the classic story by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. This version is adapted for the stage by Jeremy Brooks and Adrian Mitchell and directed by Shakespeare of NJ’s own Artistic Director Bonnie Monte. Ms. Monte mentions in her Director’s Notes that it is timely to run this show considering that it took place in 1920’s Wales after they had survived World War I and the Influenza Pandemic of 1918. If you look back at the history of the Pandemic of 1918, it too, took a number of twist and turns as it lasted several years. The happiness of coming out of such trying times is reflected in this show.
A Childhood in Wales
So many aspects of Thomas’ young life are presented in A Child’s Christmas in Wales. We meet his friends from the town he lives in and we get to experience some of the well known characters like the postman and the constable on duty Christmas morning. The simplicity of life at that time is interesting to watch and see. There are transitions beginning which will eventually change the way of life in this small town but for now, all are enjoying what it offers.
As his family arrives to celebrate the holiday, they bring gifts for Dylan and his girl cousins. Great happiness is expressed for these gifts. But what really makes this celebration so memorable and joyous are the activities that take place. Of course everyone is excited for the big dinner to be served and cooked in Dylan’s mother’s new gas stove. Getting used to a new stove is probably best done at a less momentous occasion because the timing on the turkey turns out to be too much and the bird is brought to the table burned. One of the aunts saves the day by going to a restaurant and negotiating to bring home a fully cooked beautiful turkey.
the cast of A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Photo by: Avery Brunkus
After eating dinner, thoughts turn to desserts and of course the cracking open of the crackers for the toys and sweets and wearing the paper hats. There is some delightful horsing around too allowing us to feel a part of the family.
As everyone settles into a comfortable seat in the living room, songs abound. This is a very fine part of this show which is not a musical but there is enough singing and even some dancing to show the role of music in the Welsh culture.
Kristen Kittel. Photo by: Avery Brunkus
Characters
There is a large cast of 16 that makes this show play so well. The actors do an outstanding job as they portray the many different people in the family. The cast is led by Broadway veteran Jeff McCarthy who plays Dylan’s father. He is steadfast as a father should be when he speaks with his son in the early parts of the show but a willing participant for the fun of the day.
Isaac Hickox-Young plays both the adult and child Dylan Thomas. The transition between the two is seamless. Even though he addresses the audience in the beginning as an adult, we see him easily transform into the young Dylan eager for a wonderful, fun time with his family on Christmas.
Playing the mother is Tina Stafford. She is devoted to her family and making sure the day is just right. So when the new gas stove overcooks the turkey, one cannot help but feel badly for her.
Andy Paterson plays several roles including Glyn and Dai the postman. Glyn is the type of character who likes to make pronouncements to the group but has such a warm sense about him that everyone seems okay with it all.
Tickets
Tickets for A Child’s Christmas in Wales will start as low as $40. Prices range from $40 – $55. For tickets, call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.
The show runs now through Jan. 2, 2022. The full performance schedule is available for viewing on the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s website.
The F.W. Kirby Theater is located on the campus of Drew University in Madison, N.J.
Final Thoughts
Take the opportunity to come out to a live performance of theater by coming to see A Child’s Christmas in Wales. You may find yourself taken back in time to memories of Christmases in your past that were enjoyable. Life right now is a bit unpredictable but one thing can be counted on and that is a visit to live theater is nourishment for the soul. Go and enjoy!