I’m a fan of the theatre, so I was delighted to accept an invitation to a preview performance of A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas. To say that it delivered more than I expected is an understatement. While I love community theatre, some productions offer more than others and one never really knows what to expect. However, I am pleased to report with all sincerity that A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas was a wonderful experience in so very many ways, and I’d like to take a few moments to reflect on what I enjoyed most about this play.
The first thing that I noted, before the performance even began, was the intimacy of the theatre’s space. I had never attended a production in an environment quite like the “Consider This” venue, which is tucked away off of Old Nashville Highway, in a nice location pleasantly removed from the typical heaps of traffic. During the brief intermission, I overheard another guest reporting to her phone friend that she was literally part of the set, and indeed, that is a very good description of what one can expect. I sat to the side of the main stage (though all seats are in front of or to the side of the stage), which at times placed me quite literally within a few feet from the actors, and there’s no platform, so the action is literally eye-level. The intimacy of the environment, and the stage arrangement, accompanied with well-timed lighting and sound, provides a sense of actually being a part of the production itself.
The set design is phenomenal. There is a sense of space, even in the midst of the closeness of the action, which balances the scenes very well. It also allows anyone, anywhere in the theatre to view the actors with equal advantage. Additionally, the voices sufficiently carry so that audio is not a problem from any viewing location. The cleverly placed stages and the simple, but highly effective stage design and décor allows one to really participate in the unfolding story without having to compensate for underdeveloped scenery.
As for the actors and actresses, they are in a league of their own. Every actor and actress, right down to the sibling duo children that are part of the cast, are all exceptionally talented. There is a wonderful array of personalities in the characters of this story that come to life in a very believable display of genuine acting. I was truly impressed and inspired by the well-written content of the play, the direction of the production and the acting of these wonderfully artistic performers. It was easy to get lost in the story, as there aren’t really any distractions at all that tug on the necessary suspension of belief needed to enjoy any production.
Last but not least, the story itself is a light-hearted portrayal of what can typically happen when families come together and attempt to maintain a sense of “normalcy,” without due consideration of the subjectivity of normalcy. It delivers plenty of comical scenes that engage the audience in laughter, as well as a few moments of tender and somber realization of the growing pains of love. I highly recommend this production!
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14; and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 8 and 15. Consider This is located at 7120 Old Nashville Hwy. Find tickets and more information at considerthisinc.com. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
