Colonial Players’ production of A Visit From St. Nicholas or The Night Before Christmas is an imaginative look at the history behind the beloved Christmas poem. Written by Lowell Swortzell, it tells the story of how author Clement Clark Moore, a professor and classicist, was convinced to share his “improvised” poem, A Visit From St. Nicholas, with the world. Beforehand, a Holiday Showcase in the form of a party features different holiday traditions and songs. Directed by Joe Thompson, it is a delightful way to begin the season.
Michael Carlton Smith radiates authority as Clement Clark Moore, reciting his poem to the enthralled children. Asked to publish it, he firmly refuses, believing it would tarnish his reputation as a serious scholar. He destroys attempts to copy it. Later, he suffers trying to remember it, trying out different rhymes for the reindeer. As Mr. Thomas in the Showcase, he is good-natured, gamely wearing a laurel wreath with candles. Lesley (Miller) Baust plays Mrs. Moore with a gentle strength, ending conflict between Mr. Moore and his children and encouraging him to recreate the poem; she teasingly calls him a “pedant.” She is graceful and charming as Mrs. Thomas, leading the group in “Santa Lucia.”
Emma Miller gives a determination to Harriet Butler, a visiting cousin who urges Moore to let her publish the poem. Rebuffed, she sneaks around to secretly copy it. She directs the children, leading them upstairs to bed and back downstairs the next morning. As Janine she talks about the pagan origins of many Christmas traditions and plays a song on her guitar about nature.
Grace Evangeline Wenzel plays Moore’s child Benjamin with youthful humor, imitating Mr. Moore’s outburst and running into furniture while sneaking around at night. Trying to reconstruct the poem, she narrates it. As Becca, she does a rap with Hanna (Mila Kopicki) about the dreidel. Mila Kopicki plays Moore’s child Charity with enthusiasm, stuffing a pillow under herself playing St Nicholas. Amelia Lang brings a maturity as Moore’s child Margaret, directing the children as they act out the poem. As Layla, she sings a Spanish holiday song. Together, the three Moore children stand up to their father, protesting against his feelings about his poem. They sneak down to the fireplace to catch St. Nicholas, hoping he will be just as their father described him.
Evie Kopicki brings a youthful energy to guest Elizabeth, singing “Holiday Lights” solo, then repeating in sign language with Max (Julia Allmon). Julia Allmon as Max asks questions allowing the Jewish guests to explain about Hanukkah, while wryly commenting on some of the action in the Moore house.
Tom Bethards plays guest Mr. Blumenthal with quiet grace. Unsure what he wants to drink, he later wonders why people assume Hanukkah is “Jewish Christmas.” George W. King III plays guest Mr. Brown with humor, enthusiastically reciting the famous response to the young Virginia’s question as to whether Santa Claus is real. He later narrates some of the mischief at the Moores’.
Set Designer Susan Baum and Properties Designer Kimberly Barker create the feeling of a 19th-century home, with a formal couch and chairs stage right, as well as a fireplace and hanging mantle. A chaise is stage left opposite a cushioned chair and end table. Further offstage right are a small desk and library with shelves. Period-style candles and glasses are throughout the stage. Costume Designer Linda Ridge evokes the period with all wearing simple nightgowns and nightcaps; Mr. Moore wears a red smoking jacket. For the Holiday Showcase, all wear dressy modern-day clothing.
Lighting Designer Ernie Morton dramatically lowers the lights as people walk away with candles, creating the feeling of darkness. Sound Designer Sarah Wade ensures the music and singing are equally balanced. Director Joe Thompson keeps the energy high with lots of movements, from the children hiding under the couch to their acting out the poem, as well as flips and dancing for the Showcase. The production delightfully mixes conflict with humor, making it exciting for audiences of all ages. One week remains, so see it while you can!
Running Time: One hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission.
A Visit From St. Nicholas or The Night Before Christmas plays through November 16, 2024, at Colonial Players of Annapolis – 108 East Street, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($15), call the box office at 410-268-7373 or purchase online. A virtual playbill is available here.
A Visit From St. Nicholas or The Night Before Christmas
Written by Lowell Swortzell
Directed by Joe Thompson