THE HANGOVER REPORT – The disarmingly straightforward and completely charming A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES warmly conjures the spirit of the holidays

Charlotte Moore's adaptation of Thomas Dylan's "A Child's Christmas in Wales" presented by the Irish Repertory Theatre.

The company of Charlotte Moore’s adaptation of Thomas Dylan’s “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” presented by the Irish Repertory Theatre.

This week, I was finally able to catch Irish Repertory Theatre’s production of A Child’s Christmas in Wales, adapted by Charlotte Moore from the writings of Dylan Thomas. The musical adaptation depicts Christmastime with a Welsh family, as fondly remembered by a young man.

Ms. Moore’s work as both adaptor and director is disarmingly straightforward – and completely charming. She’s even written a few exceptional original songs for the show, which are dispersed amongst Christmas carols we all know and love. It’s a testament to the care and craft with which Ms. Moore has lavished upon her songwriting that her contributions fit as seamlessly with those other holiday favorites as they do. As far as her book, it’s more a collage of wistfully assembled memories than a proper book musical. In my mind, it was a wise decision to simply conjure the spirit of the holidays rather than stage naturalistic scenes literally showing the family’s celebration.

The roster of actor/singer/musicians assembled by Ms. Moore for this iteration of her mostly annual treat is beguiling. Led by Nicholas Barasch – who was so winning in his supporting role in the fabulous recent revival of She Loves Me on Broadway – as the reminiscing young man at the show’s center, the cast (also comprised of Margaret Dudasik, Polly McKie, Naomi Louisa O’Connell, Dewey Caddell, and Ashley Robinson) radiates authenticity and hearty good cheer. Even if A Child’s Christmas in Wales‘ lack of tension and emotional complexity results in a somewhat two dimensional postcard of a production, it’s among the most genteel and effortlessly heartwarming holiday shows in town.

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A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES
Off-Broadway, Musical
Irish Repertory Theatre
1 hour, 10 minutes (without an intermission)
Through December 30

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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