PicksInSix Review: Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish-The Musical
Wishes Are Coming True at GhostLight!
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Scott Gryder
Whether it’s a family tradition or something new, it’s that time of year, where venues across the country mount holiday-centric productions, bringing festive entertainment to adults and children alike. However, it’s a rare gift when that seasonal staging can bring both a sleighful of fun and a fireside’s worth of warm hugs to the hearts of all ages. But that’s just what The Ghostlight Theatre of Benton Harbor did this past weekend as it whisked into a new holiday tradition to Berrien County with the Michigan premiere of Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish-The Musical!
Based on the book of the same name, Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish introduces us to life at the North Pole for the friends and family of the famed Santa Claus. Focusing on the daily goings on of a ragdoll named Eleanor, who’s beloved by all North Polians, the musical is made up of brief vignettes, introducing us to each North Pole persona and their duties. And, although the title expresses it, Eleanor is not only about wishing, it’s about taking action so that you can make your dreams come true. Thanks to book writer Denise McGowan Tracy, one of the most refreshing gifts that Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish gives us is the authentic self-loving, wisdom imparted to Eleanor by those who want to see her dreams come true.
Much like the many roles required to keep Santa’s Workshop running smoothly to meet the world’s Christmas needs, the ensemble of Eleanor hums like a glittery machine, glowing with charm and personality! Sam Bonzi’s titular Eleanor not only splendidly delivers a fully realized ragdoll of emotions, exploring her inner-most thoughts and discovering her place in the world, but her vocals easily shift from graceful ballads to Mariah Carey moments of sensational singing. As Mrs. ‘Cookie’ Claus, Kristen Wielenga adds levels of motherly love and playful companionship to the historically two-dimensional spouse of the man with the bag. Other standouts include the Saturday Night Live sass of Maureen Schlie’s Clara, the zingy verve of narrator Kady Roberts’s Twinkle, the impish elegance of Trillium Falotico’s Sprinkle, and the superb warmth and merriment of Todd Bonzi’s Santa. And it’s under the inspired direction of Patrick Tierney and clever choreography of John Marshall, Jr. that the ensemble skates superbly throughout the show.
Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish-The Musical at The GhostLight Theatre through December 11, 2022. Tickets: HERE
As an original cast member of Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish, I candidly confess I was hesitant to take in a new cast bringing these characters with whom I’ve spent multiple holiday seasons to life. But I was delighted and teary-eyed to see that the score and script shimmered in the hands of this new company, reminding me that Eleanor’s themes of believing in yourself, wholeheartedly pursuing your dreams, and completely cherishing the family you make along the way is a universal message that would fit any theatrical venue and ensemble.
Most of the original gift box-style set, originally created by Kehoe Designs, was used to shape the North Pole and Chicago cityscape settings, and it fits like a cozy, woolen mitten across the Ghostlight blackbox. Almost even more seamlessly than the original production, spinning set pieces smoothly reveal scene changes like a delightful children’s pop-up book full of surprises. Along with the magical set, Paul Stortz’s lighting design makes each scene shine, spotlighting the sentiments of every facet of the story. Musically, composer Kathleen Butler-Duplessis’s songs are like delicious recipes with a twist, featuring favorite showtune stylings of a variety of flavors, effortlessly delivered by music director Lisa Van Deurzen-Otey. And the pure whimsy and radiance of Kevin Barthel’s costume design takes each character to the next level! All elements combined tickle the heart and eye!
I’m still jingling and jangling from the refreshing energy that Eleanor’s exuberant cast brought to The Ghostlight Theatre stage. May Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish become a Benton Harbor tradition for you and yours, blending the perfect candy-striped balance of jest and jolly for many seasons to come……with sprinkles on top, of course!
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | SCOTT GRYDER received a Non-Equity Jeff Award for his performance in the one-man show BUYER & CELLAR. www.thescottgryder.com
PRODUCTION PHOTO CREDIT| Matt Ferguson FergyPIX.com
SANTA SELFIES PHOTO | Roxbury Road Creative
The GhostLight Theatre
TICKETS
GHOSTLIGHT WEBSITE
ELEANOR’S WISH WEBSITE
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NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by contributors to PicksInSix® Reviews are their own. Ed Tracy is currently serving as Interim Executive Director at the GhostLight Theatre.
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