There are few things more powerful than memories of childhood Christmases, partly because of the magic and anticipation, and partly because of the traditions and familiarity …
Into that “wool-white bell-tongued ball of holidays,” (Dylan) Thomas wrote, “I plunge my hands in the snow and bring out whatever I can find.”
And thus “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” was born, chock-full of memories of snow and packages, feasting and foolery, populated with friends and family and the postman and neighborhood toughs, all spending this day of all days in all their varied ways …
The tale was first intended to be read alone or aloud … but in recent times it also has been turned into a charming theatrical … With an abundance of music underlining the mischief and merrymaking, it is a magical Christmas to behold.
… Vincent O’Neill gives a lyrical performance as the adult Dylan Thomas … Tyler Eisenmann as young Dylan (is) so comfortable with his stage family he seems to have grown up with them …
Of course, he is surrounded by excellent castmates and mentors here, starting with director Chris Kelly and music director Joseph Donohue III …
The whole group is so in sync you can imagine all of them celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and all future holidays together.
Favorite moments are watching Brandjes as the postman on his rounds, collecting a drink at every house … Later, when young Dylan and the other children go for a prowl outside, they resemble a pack of Dead End Kids looking for action, making it up when they have to, and teasing policemen behind their backs …
In the end … the takeaway is one of happy satisfaction, providing one more day for the snowball of memory.
3 stars (out of four)
Click here for full review. https://buffalonews.com/2019/11/23/music-memories-star-in-irish-classicals-childs-christmas-in-wales/