The Holiday season is upon us and the likes of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol, the many seasonal family favorites that mark the time, are at hand. The Ojai Art Center Theatre’s production of Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus is a pleasant addition to the mix.
With two parts tradition and one part adaption, this classic tale of faith, hope, and Christmas magic is one that caters to local families looking for a Christmas production appropriate for all ages. The century-old tale is based on the actual events set in action by eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon. In this version, young Virginia (Sophie Massey) struggles with the realities of immigrant life in early America. Her father, James O’Hanlon (David Rogge), has lost his job under unfair circumstances, and with no prospects for employment, the family’s Christmas hopes appear bleak. However, with innocent wisdom, the young Virgina seeks help from the source most trusted by her father, the irrefutable New York Sun. In an effort to get a clear answer, she pens a letter to Sun’s the revered editor, Edward P. Mittchell (Bill Spellman) who assigns the piece to the alcoholic and now suicidal once great reporter Frank P. Church (Frank James Malle). Church struggles with his response to the letter, and in the process of writing his historic reply, faces and ultimately overcomes his own demons as well. In real life as well as in the play Church’s words take on a meaning and importance far greater than the sum of their parts. They become an iconic commentary on the human spirit and the true meaning of Christmas.
This production has a decidedly family feel; the story is simple and the characters typical of the holiday genre. Its strengths lie in the dependability of the much desired happy ending and the overall commitment to telling the tale in a way that equally reaches all members of the audience on some level. The family dynamic is most well played with Rogge delivering a compelling leading performance and pairing well with the charming Chelsea Vivian cast opposite him as his wife, Evie O’Hanlon . Rogge and Vivian along with the youthful energy of Massey form a genuine familial bond in which the audience can fully invest. Other strong performances are given by Spellman who succeeds in developing an engaging character as well as a tangible bond with the audience, along with Malle, Karson Kern, Sierra Taylor and Joyce McWilliams in the supporting but endearing role of Mrs. Goldstein.
Director Brossy Reina proficiently crafts a touching story making use of a minimal but effective set that insinuates well the time period. The pacing at times slows, but well-conceived sound and lighting designs combined with impressive well staged fight sequences keep you involved and vested. The costumes stand out for their authenticity and feel, as does the well placed use of a live kitten to warm the hearts. At times, out of control moustaches border on comical and iffy accents occasionally mar otherwise efficient scenes. The choppy script fails to capitalize on the overall potential of the story, occasionally stifling the dialogue and limiting the flow of theatrical performance, but is sufficient to deliver the appealing message. The overall product remains valuable and the positive aspects of the project hold true.
In all, the show rests on the backs of capable leading performers and resourceful supporting elements to make for a delightful and moving family-friendly production.
http://www.ojaiact.com/ through Dec.16th
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