CHRIS, MRS. – REVIEW OF NEW HOLIDAY MUSICAL AT THE WINTER GARDEN THEATRE

Reviewed by James Karas

If you are wondering about the title of the musical simply pronounce the two words and you should get Christmases. Chris, Mrs. is indeed a new musical unabashedly about Christmas and thoroughly enjoyable.

Its music, book and lyrics are by Matthew Stodolak and Katie Kerr. Stodolak is also the musical director and Katie Kerr directs the musical. They are a bright, young couple with experience in regional theatres and the ambition, talent and ability to write Chris, Mrs. and produce it at The Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto. That alone entitles them to a standing ovation. 

The musical takes place around Christmas, in fact much of it takes place on Christmas Eve. It is a  love story that has a few bumps to keep us entertained for over two hours with some wonderful songs, outstanding dancing and humour. The stars are Ben Chris (Liam Tobin) and Holly Carmichael (Danielle Wade) with Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane (Vicki Vandrelle) and AJ Bridel (Claire Chris) and a couple rambunctious children, Samantha  (played by Addison Wagman alternating with Finn Cofell) and Samuel (played by Lucien Duncan-Reid  alternating with Isaac Grates Myers). They are hilarious.

There are some seventeen actors and some of them dance up a storm and we have more than a dozen musical numbers from solos to ensembles. I will not disclose the plot because this is a new show and it will hold your attention more effectively if you see it firsthand.

Liam Tobin, Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane and ensemble.

Photo Max Power Photography

We need conflict and it comes when Ben Chris wants to sell the family lodge that is run by his brother Charlie Chris (Kale Penny). Ben goes to the lodge with his twins Samantha and Samuel, his teenage daughter Claire and his hoity-toity girlfriend Vicki. Will Ben convince Charlie to sell the lodge?

And those rocket-fueled children write to Santa, Nick in the play (Mark Weatherly), and he gives them holly which is the right gift if you write it with a capital H. You will have to untangle the rest for yourself in a romantic, family-friendly comedy that is perfect for the season.  

The songs are  melodic, romantic, comic and entertaining. We start with “Just Another Jingle,” go to the children’s “Dear Santa” to “All I Want  for Christmas” to “Vicki’s Lament.” There is a healthy offering of solos and ensemble pieces to fill up the evening.

Sarah Vance provides the superb choreography and Cory Sincennes designed the sets emphasizing the colour blue and costumes that are just what you want in a Christmas show.

I had a problem with some of the actors’ enunciation but the singing and the display of rhythm and athleticism of the dancing  was second to none.

Where I sat near the front, left I felt that the musicians should have been playing at reduced volume at times to allow the singers to be heard more clearly but my seat may have been too close to the band to merit this observation that may not apply to the rest of the audience.

The performers deserve praise and credit and I should mention that most of them are highly experienced. Chris, Mrs. is a youthful show but it is done on a highly professional level. Just go see it.

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Chris, Mrs. - A New Holiday Musical by Matthew Stodolak and Katie Kerr, produced by Boldly Productions,  continues until December 30, 2023,  at The Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge St. Toronto. www.chrismrs.com

James Karas is the Senior Editor, Culture of The Greek Press