Ah, the Christmas season for live theatre. The time to pull out the old chestnuts, the audience favorites that pay the bills for the rest of the year. For Capitol Stage, this is “Every Christmas Story Ever Told [And Then Some!].” The irony here is that this play is about cast member rebellion over having to perform the same play year after year.

The stage lights go up. Cast member Eric opens the book, blows the dust off and begins reading: “Marley was dead, to begin with.” Cast member Gary enters as Marley’s ghost. It is painfully obvious that Gary is not happy. “Eric ... I can’t do this.”

Eric continues to try to keep the play going, but to no avail. Soon Eric and Gary are joined by cast member Peter, who sides with Gary. It seems both Gary and Peter are only in the production for their health insurance.

L to R: Peter Mohrmann, Eric Wheeler and Gary S. Martinez

Peter and Gary argue with Eric that there are lots of stories they think of at Christmas before “A Christmas Carol.” They start naming them off. They solicit suggestions from the audience.

With a promise to Eric that they will eventually do “A Christmas Carol,” they are off attempting to do every B.H.C. (Beloved Holiday Classic), holiday advertising, domestic life at the Clauses, the lives of elves and so much more. They also throw in Christmas traditions from around the world.

All of this comes with a wicked sense of humor, both visual and spoken. It moves along at breakneck speed. Audience members are pulled on stage to participate in such things as game shows.

Opening night’s audience members started laughing from the beginning. Reactions from chuckles to hysterical laughter continued constantly to the end.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” premiered at Cape May Stage in Cape May, N.J. on Nov. 27, 2003. At Capitol Stage, adjustments to the script are made for local humor and current events.

Popular local actor Eric Wheeler reprises the role of Eric. He has been performing professionally in Northern California for more than 30 years. His reactions to the goings-on are priceless. While well-known for performing serious roles, Wheeler said after the show that it is so much fun to do this play.

Gary is played by Bay Area actor Gary S. Martinez. Martinez is also an established actor, having been an Equity member for 37 years. He is great at deadpan humor. In the “Wonderful Life” segment, his Gary in wig and print dress brought gales of laughter. Gary is shocked to learn the truth about other myths besides Santa Claus, like the Easter Bunny...again cracking up the audience.  More information on Gary S. Martinez.

The third cast member, Peter, is played by Peter Mohrmann.  Mohrmann is a co-founder, artistic associate and marketing director as well as an actor in both serious and comedic plays at Capitol Stage. He has appeared on numerous other stages in the region. His Peter is the instigator of all the madness in the play. Peter is downright gleeful as he derails time and again Eric’s plan to perform “Christmas Carol.”

Gary S. Martinez, Eric Wheeler and Peter Mohrmann

Jonathan Williams both directs and is the set designer. Williams is another Capitol Stage co-founder with many hats. He is also the producing director. He has appeared on the Capitol Stage numerous times, most recently in the season opener, “Mauritius” as well as several other productions through out Northern California. His direction puts the humor front and center. His set is both minimal and multifunctional.

Scenic painter Beky Tullis' work adds to the holiday feeling.

Visually the play depends a lot on costume design (Rebecca Redmond) and props. (Peter Mohrmann, design and Michael Coleman, props master) Without a single word spoken the audience laughs hysterically.

Lighting design (Stephen Decker) and sound design (Brad Thompson) are even major contributors to the ongoing humor.

All the quick changes, entrances and exits and the number of props require very good production management (Cathy Coupal), technical direction (a very busy Ron Madonia this season) and stage management (Liz Estella with assistant Michael Pollock).

A great script and a lot of multi-talented individuals come together to create Capitol Stage’s B.H.C. With its’ wicked, wacky humor “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” has become a Beloved Holiday Classic for Sacramento holiday theatre goers.

 Title photo Eric Wheeler, Gary S. Martinez and Peter Mohrmann

All Photos by Charr Crail courtesy Capitol Stage

Capital Stage
Performing aboard the Riverboat Delta King
1000 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 | Box Office: (916) 995-5464

Through January 2, 2011   Schedule and ticket information