A review of a Christmas theatre tradition – “Santasia – A Holiday Comedy” at the Whitefire Theatre running through December 25.
The wonder that is “Santasia” is now in its 22nd year of production. It’s become a Christmas tradition for many and never, ever disappoints, with warmly familiar and absolutely hilarious holiday themed sketches, brilliant live action videos, stop action animation and some fantastic and seriously comical dance sequences that have it’s many devotees standing in the aisles!
Originated by brothers Shaun and Brandon Loeser, choreographed by Tania Pearson- Loeser, this funny musical extravaganza adds one or two more sketches to the already more than 25 every year. But it’s the tender moments and the memories of childhood Christmas past that humanise this zany and, at times, gloriously madcap show. After all, Christmas is really all about love, isn’t it? This year more than most, we must celebrate being together, and this is the show to do that. The gorgeous guys of “Santasia – A Holiday Comedy” take this opportunity to share their love for Christmas, each other and their families as they shamelessly and joyfully celebrate their own very funny version of what Christmas really means to them all.
There are brilliant and thought provoking sketches about festive house decorating, wildly dysfunctional family dinners, heartfelt anecdotes from childhood, mysterious snowman lovers, a hilarious trip on a runaway sleigh and wonderfully inappropriate and nimbly performed musical numbers with these lovely guys showing off some serious dance sequences.
Yet, it’s hard to define “Santasia” really. Is it comedy? Is it a musical? Is it farce? Is it a movement? But, I think this show has created its own unique genre.
“Santasia – A Holiday Comedy” is comic-fantasy-cabaret-core, with an ample serving of sweetly nostalgic memories. It’s Christmas on laughing gas.
In short, I’ve been going to the annual performance for several years now and I really could not recommend it more!! “Santasia” is running through December 25th this year!! Why not make it your Christmas treat for the whole family!!
Cast and Crew:
Brandon Loeser (Producer, Technical Director, Actor, Co-Writer), Shaun Loeser (Producer, Director, Actor, Co-Writer), Lon Gowan (Actor, Co-Writer, Associate Producer), Chey Kennedy (Actor), Rusty Locke (Actor), Darren Mangler (Actor) and Rich Warren (Actor),Wynn Zucchero (Associate Producer, Lighting Designer, Stage Manager), Stacey Quinealty (Musical Director/Composer), Tania L Pearson-Loeser (Choreographer, Assistant Director, Producer, Co-Writer) and Banzai Vitale (House Manager).
When:
Through December 25.
Various dates and times through December 25
No show December 24
Where:
The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423