Prince William Little Theatre’s Christmas Belles brings an irresistibly charming dose of Christmas chaos to the Hylton Performing Arts Center. The holiday comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten (collectively Jones Hope Wooten) is set in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and is a lighthearted farce that takes audiences on a whirlwind tour of dysfunctional families, outrageous misunderstandings, and a Christmas play that seems destined for disaster.
The play centers on the Futrelle sisters Honey Rae, Frankie, and Twink. Each Futrelle has big plans this Christmas season: Honey Rae plans to redeem her checkered past by directing the town’s annual Christmas play, Twink plans for revenge while in the custody of local law enforcement, and Frankie is just trying to bring her family together before she gives birth to twins.
Melanie McCleerey is a sparking firecracker as Honey Rae, bringing heaps of physicality and comedic timing to the role. Charlene Sloan as Frankie glows as the nine-month pregnant sister with a secret. Sloan and Jim Harris, who plays her husband, Dub Dubberly, have several standout moments together as they compare her pregnancy to the unexpected excruciating pain of his kidney stones. Erika Horton portrays Twink with a sharp tongue and blazing fire behind her eyes. Her chaotic impulse is a great contrast to the straight and narrow Sheriff John Curtis, played by Justin Beland.
The ensemble cast is made complete by other standout characters like Carolyn Corsano Wong as Geneva Musgrave. I especially enjoyed her scenes with McCleerey as they feud for power. Wong is a powerfully grounded storm against McCleerey’s erratic tornadic energy, making for several captivating and hilarious interactions. I really appreciate that both performers expertly balance their larger-than-life characters with great care as scene partners and support their counterparts rather than upstage them.
The heart of the show is Radulovic as Raynerd Chisum. Raynerd “just loves Christmas” and is never without his red wagon as he reports updates of the chaos ensuing in the show within the show. The character could easily become a caricature, but Radulovic brings a sincere warmth to Raynerd’s childlike wonder. His telling of the Christmas story in Act 2 is especially moving.
Liz Mykietyn as Rhonda Lynn is overflowing with Southern hospitality and silly humor. Rhonda Lynn and Frankie are thick as thieves, much to the chagrin of sisters Honey Rae and Twink. Meanwhile, Gina Jo played by Erin Miller and Justin played by Nick Macfarlane are a pair of nervous young people the audience can’t help but root for. Anne Kight Lloyd as the meddling Patsy Price goes from Dallas class to wacked-out and loopy as a result of accidental hijinx.
Director Terri Ritchey stages the fast-paced script with quick transitions and a strategic lighting design from Steven Wong. Every character of the ensemble cast has their moments to shine, offering more than just laughs. While the comedy hits all the right notes, the play also explores the real challenges of the holiday season: family dynamics, expectations, and the love that unites us despite our flaws.
Costumes by Michelle Matthews are a great nod to small-town Texas flair with tacky Christmas sweaters and sparkly accessories. Set designer Vincent Worthington makes use of the wide stage by creating a multipurpose area that looks like the back common room of a church. Smaller scenes take place in front of a blank wall that shows projections for various locations. It should be noted that the theater has stadium style seating where the audience is above the actors at an angle. If you prefer to see details up close, I recommend sitting in the first few rows. But if you like to take in the action as a whole and don’t mind potentially missing some action taking place on the floor, then the center and back rows are great locations. The tickets are general seating and the house opens 30 minutes prior to the show time.
Christmas Belles is a joyful reminder of the messiness and beauty of family, with plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you’re looking for a festive escape or just need a good laugh, this play delivers. With its heartwarming message and laugh-out-loud moments, Christmas Belles is sure to put audiences in the holiday spirit.
Running Time: Approximately two hours with one intermission.
Christmas Belles plays through December 22, 2024, presented by Prince William Little Theatre performing at the Gregory Family Theater in the Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas, VA. Tickets ($15–$25) are available online or through the Hylton Center box office at 703-993-7759, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.
The Christmas Belles program is online here.
Christmas Belles by Jones Hope Wooten
CAST
Honey Rae Futrelle: Mel McCleerey
Rhonda Lynn: Liz Mykietyn
Frankie Futrelle Dubberly: Charlene Sloan
Twink Futrelle: Erika Horton
Dub Dubberly: Jim Harris
Geneva: Carolyn Corsano Wong
Gina Jo: Erin Miller
Sheriff John: Justin Beland
Justin: Nick MacFarlane
Raynerd: Jon Radulovic
Patsy: Anne Kight Lloyd
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Terri Ritchey
Producer: Becky Gould-Levine
Stage Manager: David Ritchey
Sound Design: Wil Taft
Costume Design: Michelle Matthews
Set Design: Vince Worthington
Scenic Design: Sue Ellen Smoot
Lighting Design: Steve Wong
Photography: Amanda Elena Photography
