Quote of the Day: “I love sharing stories when it’s cold out,” says Director Jason Ballweber. “There is something so special about where we live specifically, and how people gather together in groups, sit around in the warmth, and share stories. We have so many talented storytellers in the Twin Cities, and I absolutely love collaborating with this terrific cast and working together to share laughter this holiday season.” from the press release on the Yellowtree Theatre website. 

Elise Langer and Madeline Rowe in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at Yellowtree Theatre thru 12/31/23. Photo: Tom Wallace

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) is a hilarious and breathless romp through all the holiday classic shows that we know and love with some sprinklings of traditions and merriment around the world. The script pokes fun at all those holiday stories, but in an endearing way. Yes, we’ve all watched A Christmas Carol way too many times, but we also keep coming back for that good feeling, the nostalgia, and the blessing from Tiny Tim. The script, created by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez, brilliantly combines all the stories, giving the actors plenty of opportunity to show off their amazing talents!

Charles Fraser in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at Yellowtree Theatre thru 12/31/23. Photo: Tom Wallace

Three actors play all the parts: Elise Langer, Madeline Rowe, and Charles Fraser, who use their own first names to talk to each other about what story their doing, or refusing to do one more time. Elise wants to carry on the tradition of A Christmas Carol, donning the costume worn by Scrooge himself. Madeline can’t even do the lines one more time and keeps trying to pull the story in another direction. Charles goes along with whatever is happening, running in and out of the set with various props, costumes, headgear, and more. I was fully engaged in this performance from start to finish, giggling my way through it. I especially liked Act II and how they combined two ghost stories from the holiday season.

Elise Langer, Madeline Rowe, and Charles Fraser in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at Yellowtree Theatre thru 12/31/23. Photo: Tom Wallace

The person who sat next to me, leaned over just as the show was starting and asked, “Is this the first time they’re doing this show?” I think it’s the first time at Yellowtree, but the show has been around since 2003. It has become it’s own holiday tradition at some theaters. We certainly enjoyed it. I attended this show with my son Charlie and daughter-in-law Lily and her parents. It was a fun family night out. We started the evening at a local restaurant where we talked about holiday traditions, some of which were mentioned in the production! Lily is a nurse who was working the whole weekend. She said that even though she was tired, she loved the show, saying it’s one of her favorite performances! We all love the holiday movies and enjoyed how they were all represented in this fast-paced, high-energy show.

Charles Fraser, Elise Langer, and Madeline Rowe in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at Yellowtree Theatre thru 12/31/23. Photo: Tom Wallace

Functional set and technical design by Justin Hooper with a few moving doors and places for quick entrances and exits. Lighting design by Shannon Elliot. Costumes by Samantha Fromm Haddow, really added to the whimsical feel and helped us know which characters they were portraying! You can see Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at the Yellowtree Theatre in Osseo, MN through December 31, 2023. Bring the whole family! There’s something (to laugh at ) for everyone!

Elise Langer and Charles Fraser in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at Yellowtree Theatre thru 12/31/23. Photo: Tom Wallace

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: What are your favorite holiday shows, foods, and traditions? Have you started any new ones?