Lamb’s Players Theatre long-time resident playwright Kerry Meads penned this sure-to-please holiday show which brings to life a family that feels remarkably genuine in their entirety and in their individual parts – a fun group to be around full of great characters who deeply love one another despite the little and not-so-little arguments that inevitably pop up in any family. The strength they draw from one another keeps them all together even when individual relationships are strained, for there’s always someone in the family who will step in just when they need it the most, while the wisdom and insights of three different generations help all of them see the world a little better.

As always, Lamb’s Players Theatre has brought together a magnificent cast who, in this case, congeal in an exceptionally natural way. Jim Chovick and Darlene Trent are the feisty but lovable Grandpa and Grandma Baxter, with Grandpa having the most difficult time accepting Dewey’s black friend Carl into the family circle. Tom Stephenson and Kerry Meads are “Kick” and Elaine, the couple hosting this year’s celebration while they traverse a difficult time in their own marriage. And it is through them that we have the third generation – three siblings perfectly performed who get along like they’ve really grown up with each other. Oldest boy “Sport” (Ian Gilligan) instantly sees past the different skin colors, helping make Carl feel more at home. Bonnie (Courtney Evans) is hilariously moody as the sister of two brothers, easily irritated but easily playful and loving as well, and a ham when it comes to singing Santa Baby. And finally there’s the youngest son “Buzz” (Michael Drummond) who delivers the quickest and best one-liners throughout while showing a tender, inquisitive, and sometimes mischievous spirit and a talent for creating snowstorms on the dining room table.

Visiting from far and near are all the younger kids’ aunts and uncles. There’s the exceptionally musically talented couple of “Buck” and Lucille Baxter (Cris O’Bryon and Sandy Campbell) who have a dark cloud hovering above their marriage as well. Then there’s that zany and flamboyant “favorite aunt” nicknamed “Slick” (K.B. Mercer) who looks to comfort the neighbor and lifelong friend Guy Murphy (David Cochran Heath) who is trying to get through his first Christmas after the death of his beloved wife. Meanwhile, easygoing Dewey (Greg Thompson) adds cheer to the festivities with his rendition of Blue Christmas and by bringing his unexpected guest Carl (Keith Jefferson). Keith delivers an excellent performance as his early uneasiness being an isolated stranger among family gradually transforms as he becomes fully adopted – cementing his adoption with a stirring solo of I Wonder as I Wander.

Performs through December 26, 2004.

Rob Hopper
San Diego Playbill

Grandma Baxter: