For those who haven’t been to TheaterWorks innovative and super hilarious new holiday tradition (and why haven’t you?), “Christmas on the Rocks,” now in its 12th annual rendition, is wickedly funny adult humor, created and directed by Rob Ruggiero. He brought together a half dozen playwrights and sketch writers who each contributed a playlet. The premise: it’s Christmas Eve in an out-of-the-way rundown bar, and our favorite children from classic holiday movies have come back to town, as dysfunctional adults, and share their stories with a bartender. There’s Charlie Brown, Karen from Frosty the Snowman, The Little Drummer Boy, Clara from The Nutcracker and more. And, all the characters in this brisk 90-minute comedy are played by three actors Harry Bouvy, Jen Cody and Richard Kline, all veterans of this holiday romp. Leave the kids home. This is holiday cheer for adults.
This is my 8th visit to TheaterWorks Hartford’s production, and I still find it silly and a delightful antidote to the cold winter weather and our nation’s chilly discord. I’ve nothing against the usual holiday fare, “A Christmas Carol,” “The Nutcracker,” “Messiah” singalongs, “Holiday Pops,” etc, and I hit them up every year. But, I like to kick back, and let myself go, and “Christmas on the Rocks” satisfies year after year.
