If you say that the first half of Garland Civic Theatre’s production of “Dashing through the Snow” is entertaining and funny, then you have to call the second half side-splitting fun. You won’t want to miss the talented group of actors in this play written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Whooten. It is skillfully directed by Jeff Fenter.
Christmas is just around the corner and the Snowflake Inn in Tinsel, Texas is hosting some bizarre guests. In the first half of the show, the audience meets Trina the innkeeper who has the frustrating job of corralling the crazy guests and dealing with Mr. Boykin, an especially demanding lodger. She also has the burden of coping with a tipsy housekeeper/cook.
Cuddles, a poorly disguised Mrs. Clause arrives at the inn for a tryst with one of Santa’s elves and a brother and sister try to mend the broken relationship between two aunts who, after 30 years, cannot remember why they are mad. One of the aunts is a paranoid clean freak who wields hand sanitizer, bug spray and cleaning supplies.
After intermission, the audience meets two self-involved actors who have come to the inn to secretly sprinkle the ashes of a friend under a backyard tree. The actors are on a low-budget tour of “A Christmas Carol” and, in the funniest moment of the show, provide an “abridged” re-enactment of Dickens’ story.
The last guests are the Futrelle sisters, one of which is getting married for the sixth time, in a few hours. The group hurries to prepare for the last-minute wedding with hilarious results. The bridesmaid dresses are ill-fitting and inappropriate. However, the word ‘inappropriate’ does not even begin to describe the bride’s choice of an all-red outfit with boots.
The set, designed by Hank Baldree is perfect for an in where “it’s Christmas 365 days per year.”
Trina the innkeeper is portrayed by BJ Austin. Lou Ida, the tipsy housekeeper, is played by Lou Cavanaugh.
The rest of the actors play multiple roles. Toni Garner is Cuddles and Frankie Futrelle Dubberly. David Tinney plays Binky the elf and actor Ainsley Danforth. Josh Hensley is Hoyt Ledford, nephew of the angry aunts and Raynerd Chisum, friend of the Futrelle sisters. Sara Snyder portrays niece of the angry sisters Donna Jo Austin and actor Leonora Benedict. Angry sister Ennis Puckett and Christmas Eve bride, Honey Raye Futrelle, are played by Jacque Marshall. Angry aunt Della Crowder and Twink Futrelle Bunter are portrayed by Carrie Varnell and Haley Hines plays Paulette Coogan and Rhonda Lynn Lampley.
Again, don’t miss it! The show runs through Dec 16. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Garland Civic Theatre shows are at the Granville Arts Center, Small Theatre, 300 North Fifth Street in downtown Garland. Friday, Saturday and Sunday tickets are $18. Special prices are available for groups and students.
Visit www.garlandartsboxoffice.com to purchase tickets or call 972-205-2790. Tickets are also available at the Granville Arts Center box office at 300 North Fifth Street weekdays between 10 a.m. 4 p.m. and before each show.