Is 'Don't Hug Me' good? You betcha!

by Christopher Trussell

Watch out! Those Olson brothers Phil and Paul are at it again with

rib-tickling fun in their take on the annual favorite "A Christmas Carol."
 

This year it's called "A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol."

Besides being entertaining, it gives the opportunity to renew our acquaintance

with the original characters of their "Don't Hug Me" from last year.

Yes, they are all back: Clara, who longs for her husband, Gunner, to have a

change of heart; the stubborn Gunner; Kanute, who is still hoping for the hand

of Bernice, who has dreams of a singing career; and smooth Sven who offers to

take Bernice away from Gunner and Clara's Bunyan Bay Bar to make her mark

in the city. The cast of Bonni Allen, Ross Young, Doug Anderson, Jennifer Maren

and Dan Hopman respectively fit their roles like well-fitting shoes.

In this show, Gunner and Clara get in a fight over celebrating Christmas. Gunner

goes snowmobiling and falls through the ice. He ends up in a coma and is visited

by Sven. Sven takes him on a journey similar to that of Scrooge in which he sees

what happens when he isn't there.

The score contains 17 singable music numbers. In particular, "The Christmas Cheese

Polka," "It's Christmas Time So Please Give Me Some" and "I'd Rather Be Naughty"

bring smiles to the audience members' faces.

The choreography by Liz Moynihan Olsen (who also co-directs), though simple in its

staging, gives the right added touch of sparkle. The other half of the directing team is

Peter Moore, who is the founder and artistic director of the New Classic Theatre.

"A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol," with its generous borrowing from Charles Dickens,

offers an evening of homegrown humor. It's a great slice of Minnesota nice for this

Christmas season. Oh yes, you betcha!

This is the opinion of Times theater critic Christopher Trussell. He holds degrees in

music and fine arts from the Trinity College of Music in London. He has master's

degrees in theology.

If you go ...

What: "A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol."When: 2 p.m. today and 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 23. All other shows sold out.Tickets: $24 for adults, $19 for students and

seniors.Information or tickets: 203-0331 weekdays; 203-1233 after hours or on

eekends; or online at www.ppfive.com.