By: Darryl Reilly
Like those seasonal classics, A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker, The Nativity is a well-known Holiday tale that lends itself to a variety of interpretations and representations. Re-Gift of the Magi is playwright Janet Hopf’s clever retelling of those familiar events plus her embellishments. It is like watching a classic Warner Brothers cartoon set in The Holy Land. Outrageous characters hilariously engage in sight gags, puns, anachronisms and even Yiddishisms. Of course there’s gold, frankincense, and myrrh too.
After opening with The Three Kings bringing their gifts for the new born boy to Bethlehem the action then jumps to the departing young Joshua (aka Jesus) arguing with his Jewish mother, “Why don’t you stay and –oy! –you could marry your harlot friend Mary, start a family.” During his odyssey he encounters a shepherd, Romans, The Kings, and John The Baptist.
The play’s 10 scenes are punctuated by sound designer Gregg Russ’ wry narration and zany sound effects including festive Jewish singing. Greg Cicchino’s brisk inspired direction creatively realizes the material. Fast paced for the comedic sequences and measured for the occasional serious moments, he deftly keeps it all from becoming a series of two-dimensional sketches. After The Three Kings follow a psychedelic Star of Bethlehem, a very accomplished memorable image was the tableau of them bearing their gifts paying homage to the infant in the miniature manger.
Ms. Hopf’s well-crafted script is tremendously enhanced by T.V. Alexander’s witty small-scale production design. Platforms painted like ancient bricks are periodically topped with Pop Art-like images of the manger, palm trees, mountains, sheep, and seemingly historically accurate buildings. Samantha Newby’s vibrantly colorful period costumes are eye-catching. An ingenious mini-subplot involves the capitalistic bottling of water in the region, “Miracle elixir from the Cana rainforest cures all affliction and restores Samson-like strength and vigor. Kosher for Passover.”
Patrick Pizzolorusso’s Joshua is the show’s centerpiece. Bearded, curly haired and with a Southern twang, he is the perfect youthful future Messiah. Comically accomplished he also brings charm and great depth to the role.
Steven Bidwell is a stand-out playing multiple parts. A commanding dynamo in the tradition of Nathan Lane, his gallery of over the top portrayals include sly King Gaspar, a thick Italian-accented tax collector and a hirsute kooky John The Baptist.
Megan Sass brilliantly portrays numerous diverse characters including Joshua’s Southern belle nagging mother, a thoughtful Harlot and, in a rare dramatic vignette is quite moving as the husky-throated widow Gaspar.
As the two other Wise Men, brash Kirk Gostkowski (Melchior) and stately Nicholas Alexiy Moran (Balthazar) effectively appear throughout the action.
With its sharp writing, wired staging, arresting production design, and punchy performances, Re-Gift Of The Magi is a delightful addition to this year’s Yule time repertoire. Adults and children will equally be entertained and put in the Holiday spirit.
Re-Gift of the Magi (through December 21, 2013)
The Chain Theatre, 21-28 45 Road, in Long Island City, Queens
For tickets, call 800-838-3006 or visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com
Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission