What do you get when you cross a Christmas classic with a contemporary play involving a group of scene-stealing super sleuths and a missing Santa? Why, the perfect family holiday show, of course! What? When you think of the holidays, you don’t automatically think of kid detectives and a stolen Santa? I’m not sure I did either until I saw the young actors helping each other to put on a hilarious and fast-paced performance of Encore Stage & Studio’s CSI: Christmas Scene Investigators. This relatable show has practically changed my idea of Christmas forever!
Now, if anyone could pull off a children’s play of mystery, action, and humor, Encore Stage & Studio is certainly at the top of any list to do so. This was truly an entertaining story of intrigue, suspense, and laughter that deserved all the applause it received. Not only were the young actors professionals in every sense of the word, but the way Encore Stage & Studio presented the play was spectacular! The very idea of a play within a play where everyone discovers the true meaning of the Christmas spirit is a wonderfully fun way to kick-off the holiday season!
I really loved how this was a play by kids for kids. My favorite part of this theatrical experience was, not only did the cast make you feel like you were there in the theatre with them (the action was performed to three of the four sides of the theatre audience), but the cast was so energetic and never missed a line; it was clear they really loved what they were doing, making the performance that much better.
The cast transports you to the last rehearsal of a production of A Christmas Carol for the annual Christmas show which comes to a screeching halt when it is discovered that the light-up Santa Claus statue has been stolen. Without the Santa, the principal, Mr. Crunge, declares that the show must be canceled. To save the play, Mrs. Dickens, the theatre director, calls in the Clue Club, a group of ambitious students who are resolved to find the missing Santa and save the annual production. As the Clue Club begins to search for the missing Santa, the students bond and, ultimately, discover what Christmas is all about.
If you love Christmas and crime-solving detectives and are looking for a fun-for-the-whole-family theatre experience, purchase your tickets now to see Encore Stage & Studio’s CSI: Christmas Scenes Investigators – this hilarious seasonal play is the perfect way to start the holiday season off right. You will stop thinking about what you want or would like to do and will start thinking of other people; you will uncover your true Christmas spirit!
The show’s run-time is approximately 70 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Remaining performances run December 13th -15th at the Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two (2700 S. Lang St. Arlington, VA 22207). Friday’s performance is at 7:30 pm; Saturday performances are at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, and Sunday’s performance is at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Children, Students, Military, and Seniors, and are available online at www.encorestage.org or by calling the box office at (703) 548-1154.
Meet the Reviewer:
Mac Cronin is in the sixth grade at Westminster School in Annandale, Virginia. Mac is an enthusiastic fan of the theatre, especially children’s theatre, and hopes to have the opportunity to view, and review, many more of these great Encore Stage & Studio shows!
Photos by Cindy Kane Photography. Graphic design by Aileen Pangan Christian.
Review by Mac Cronin. Edited by Shannon McCarthy.