Crazy Christmas comedies at the Blue Barn Theatre have become such a tradition that finding something new can be a challenge.

"This year I wanted to do something unusual, fun, lighthearted — especially after our season opener, 'Bug,' which was very intense," said Blue Barn artistic director Susan-Clement Toberer.

The solution was "Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some)," a comedic farce in which three actors pop in and out of a whole lot of doors and windows while mashing together and mangling widely known yuletide stories.

Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Charlie Brown, the Grinch, "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Christmas Carol" become fodder for broad comedy.

"The farce-like quality appealed to me," Clement-Toberer said. "One of our patrons said she always expects the unexpected at the Blue Barn, and I think this is unexpected."

One thing that might be unexpected: Clement-Toberer says the show is suitable for teens, steering clear of some of the R-rated language and adult themes of past Blue Barn holiday shows such as "Silent Night of the Lambs," "Little Nelly's Naughty Noel" and "Reform School Timmy."

Clement-Toberer said her veteran cast of comedic actors — Ben Beck, Theresa Sindelar and Bill Grennan — gives her freedom as a director to try lots of approaches.

"Last night we had a moment we knew was funny," Grennan said. "But where was the laugh? So we tried different takes. Every night brings new challenges, but at least one 'Aha!' moment."

For Sindelar, part of the fun is rapid character changes.

"When you can play several different roles in one show, that's completely wonderful," she said. "You have to have all your wits about you."

Beck said Grennan and Sindelar are actors he knows he can play with onstage.

"If I throw something at Bill, he'll throw something back and crack me up," he said. "These are funny people. They make me laugh. They teach me things."

The two-act show runs about 90 minutes, including intermission. Martin Scott Marchitto designed the set, Craig Lee painted it, Carol Wisner designed lighting and Jennifer Pool fashioned quick-change costumes.

This is the sixth year the Blue Barn is collecting donations for the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. Last year the theater raised about $3,000.

Contact the writer:

402-444-1269, bob.fischbach@owh.com