Nothing says Christmas like getting boatloads of Christmas cards from family and friends. But what’s the protocol for sending just the right card for holiday cheer? Rules for Writing Christmas Cards at Best Medicine Rep Theater Company, in partnership with Gaithersburg Arts Barn, is packed with tips, guidance, and rules to ensure a picture-perfect holiday tradition — or at least laughs and giggles while trying.
Family holiday cards — we’ve all seen (and/or sent) them. Whether filled with group pictures or salutations of joy, well-meaning phrases (or unintentionally mean ones), relationships can be drawn into crossfire. Just getting the group picture done can knock out any remaining remnants of holiday goodwill with all the stress of trying to please and prep for the holidays. Nerves are frayed, temperatures flare, all manner of things can go off kilter during this cheeriest of times. Watching what not to do provides a soothing relief — “At least we’re not that weird and crazy — right?!”
Rebecca Herron serves as coach/facilitator/Miss Manners of Christmas card writing style and etiquette throughout the fun-filled sketches. Those who have enjoyed Herron’s antics over the years are well aware of how her facial expressions speak volumes as part of her exquisite comedic delivery. She goes full throttle here as she explains such lessons as “Know What You Want to Say,” “Don’t Stick It to Your Family,” and “Don’t Whine, Complain, or Share Too Much,” while the ensemble complements the messages with illustrative sketches that will leave you in stitches.
The talented cast brings the holiday spirit front and center with laughter and life, accompanied by cheerfully clad Andrew Mauer at the piano. Terence Heffernan must be seen to be believed as a New York borough-sounding angel with wings and halo, providing tips to Be Kind, with mannerisms and intonations straight out of the Bowery. Rose Hahn as daughter Deb tries desperately to stake her ground between her judgment-prone Mom and her newly wedded husband Sean, played with anxious irritation by Matthew Marcus. Marcus is also marvelous as a youngster scampering across the stage and theater in protest, loudly exclaiming, “My Mom made me write these Christmas cards!” Christen Stephansky has the chops to play the ubiquitous “Mom” in the sketches along with comedic skills to add to the cascade of laughter. Director John Morogiello keeps everyone engaged and the action flowing in movement and temperament as the characters rip through their numerous roles, reluctantly pose for Christmas card group photos, and even speak through stuffed toys. In one case, a couple of penguins sit on a ledge, shivering not from the freezing cold but in terror from the close proximity to a large white polar bear who politely ponders why they seem so miserably frightened, but then as the lights dim, you barely catch the Chomp! Yes, the rambunctious and nonstop silliness leaves no goofy snowball behind.
What elevates the show beyond a collection of comedy sketch routines is a thematic through line that weaves through the sketches — the somewhat rocky relationship between the expert Emily and her daughter Deb (and husband Sean). Here’s where writer Jennifer Faletto gets kudos for bringing depth to the script. We see how the gorgeously styled and coiffed, nearly perfect Emily (great costumes by Elizabeth Kemmerer) could learn a thing or two if she would listen to and heed her own advice for a better relationship with her daughter. With enough inner fortitude, she could even learn to appreciate and accept her quirky son-in-law with patience, kindness, and love. There’s a very touching scene when the actors quietly bring in candles to memorialize loved ones who have passed away over the year.
This Rules for Writing Christmas Cards production is packed with real-life sentiment, a wholesome gathering, and loads of laughter, which is what we all need in megawatts right now. Oh, speaking of wattage, there’s also a riff on hanging outside lighting on rooftops for the holiday — beware!
The Best Medicine Rep’s mission statement is “We are here to entertain, bring joy, foster community and learning through shared laughter, and lighten our shared burden of existence for a short while.” The company’s productions have moved to several venues, and fans have togged along to wherever they’re fortunate enough to land. The collaboration with the Gaithersburg Arts Barn allows the fun and laughter to keep rolling during this holiday season, and we’re all the better for it. My advice: Catch the show for a fa-la-la frolicking good time.
Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Rules for Writing Christmas Cards plays through December 15, 2024 (performances on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM), presented by Best Medicine Rep Theater Company in partnership with and performing at Gaithersburg Arts Barn, 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, MD. No performance on December 7; the December 14 performance is at 3 PM. Purchase tickets ($23; $21, student ages 15–21; $16, youth 14 & younger) online, in person at the Arts Barn box office, or by contacting the Arts Barn.
Contains mature language and themes. Recommended for ages 12 & up.
COVID Safety: Masks optional.
Rules for Writing Christmas Cards
Written by Jennifer Faletto
Directed by John Morogiello
CAST
Rose Hahn as Deb, et al.
Terence Heffernan as Burt, et al.
Rebecca A. Herron as Emily
Matthew Marcus as Sean, et al.
Cristen Stephansky as Mom, et al.
Andrew Mauer – Pianist
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Artistic Director: John Morogiello
Stage Manager: Evan Morogiello
Lighting Design: Andrew Harasty
Set and Sound Design: John Morogiello
Costume Design by Elizabeth Kemmerer
Poster Design: Michele White
