PHOENIX — A successful urban professional finds herself stuck in a charming town just before Christmas, yet unexpectedly discovers romance with an unexpected suitor: a disguised prince, a former school crush, or perhaps a loving single father. This narrative strikes a relatable cord, resembling the typical storyline from Hallmark Channel holiday movies. However, this festive theme is being played out not only on screen but also live on theater stages across the nation, represented through comical adaptations.
While numerous theater groups are reviving classic holiday stories like “A Christmas Carol” or “White Christmas,” others are crafting parodies of the festive rom-coms that have captured audience hearts. These regional and community theaters are creating lively performances that playfully poke fun at the quintessential aspects of these films, all while capturing their whimsical spirit.
Whether adored or criticized, these formulaic holiday romances have become integral to the Christmas season, akin to the joys of ugly sweaters and mugs of hot cocoa. Theater directors assert that the recognized story elements make these movies universally appealing, as they resonate with a wide audience. The success demonstrated by robust ticket sales reflects a cherished acceptance of these humorous reinterpretations during the holidays.
At Ghostlight Theatre, a community venue in Sun City West, Arizona, the production “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon,” penned by Don Zolidis, presents the tales of six potential couples enjoying the festive atmosphere at a Vermont inn. The characters range from a Hollywood star seeking seclusion to a snow-themed shop owner, and all the female roles boast cheerful, holiday-themed names like Holly, Joy, and Carol. A humorous twist includes real-life couple Michael and GinaKay Howell performing as one of the pairs, with Michael humorously reflecting on the script, saying, “It perfectly encapsulates what Hallmark embodies while poking fun at the same time.”
Director Zach Athanasakis highlighted the importance of delivering the comedic lines with straight faces, recognizing that the humor derives from embracing the clichés inherent in the genre. “You have to truly inhabit your character’s emotions, regardless of how absurd the dialogue may appear,” he explained.
Laura Vines, Ghostlight’s executive director and co-founder, aimed to find a unique production that would distinguish their offerings in the Phoenix area. She discovered “Wonderthon” through social media and noted its cost-effectiveness in staging since the script humorously calls for simple holiday sweaters.
In a similar festive spirit, Broadway Rose Theatre Company unveiled “Five Golden Rings: A Greeting Card Channel Holiday Musical,” written by Stephen Garvey with music by David Abbinanti, the day before Thanksgiving. Set once again in a Vermont bed-and-breakfast, this musical portrays Holly, a business executive who unexpectedly falls for the attractive, widowed owner. Director Dan Murphy expressed enthusiasm for the production’s reception, highlighting the laughter it produced across varying audience demographics during rehearsals.
At both Ghostlight and Broadway Rose, performances of these Hallmark-inspired spoofs have frequently sold out. Murphy elaborated on the appeal of diversification in programming, indicating that audiences enjoy options that create inclusive entertainment for all ages, in addition to traditional offerings like “The Nutcracker.”
Another notable production is happening at the Williamston Theatre in Williamston, Michigan, where the original play “A Very Williamston Christmas,” has emerged. Written by John Lepard, whose inspiration stemmed from his experience watching numerous Hallmark movies, the play narrates the story of a corporate professional returning home for the holidays. Lepard humorously adapted the script under the pseudonym Robert Hawlmark, making the production a locally inspired tribute.
Response to the play’s affection for its hometown has been positive, attracting interest from other theaters across Michigan and beyond. Lepard noted the fun in adapting the script to reflect local characteristics, which allows for a personal touch in its performances.
Hallmark itself views these theatrical interpretations favorably, appreciating the celebration of their storytelling style. Samantha DiPippo, senior VP of programming, stated that the transition from screen to stage demonstrates the impact of their narratives that emphasize hope, love, humor, and human connections. These playful adaptations are crafted to amuse both devoted fans and those who might poke fun at the genre, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a hearty laugh. As Athanasakis remarked, the goal is to humorously amplify these tropes while maintaining a respectful nod to the source material.