By Ron Levitt

Florida Media News
ENV Magazine

CORAL GABLES, FL — The theme for most holiday shows, whether on stage or in the movies (such as A Christmas Carol or Miracle on 34th Street ), is “redemption.” But, the most redeeming quality of the musical Another Night Before Christmas – currently ringing in the festive season at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre here is the acting and vocalizing of its two stars – Irene Adjan and Ken Clement.

The two-some of Adjan and Clement are reason enough to celebrate the holidays in Coral Gables. Adjan’s vocal range seems to reverberate throughout the town. She charms as a disillusioned social worker, waiting to get the spirit of Christmas back in her life, and Clement is a comic hurricane, thundering through another story about Santa coming to the rescue.

Directed by David Arisco, who usually provides South Floridians with giant casts, amazing scenic effects and lavish production numbers, Another Night Before Christmas seems to be tied to the economic mess of 2009 – just two actors, yet a surprisingly innovative set by Gene Seyfer, a single piano providing the music (as always well done by Musical Chief David Nagy) and a ho-ho-hum of a story by Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto, the talented creators of Married ALIVE! which had a successful run earlier at Actors’ Playhouse. But, leave believability at the curb because this is strictly a joyful, holiday fantasy……fun…cuteness…. sentimental appeal — a story with heart…..a combination of all the holiday tales you’ve seen or heard while growing up. Sure. the script seems all too familiar, but one would have to be a Scrooge to dismiss this pleasurable production! And, there is no reason not to bring the kids along for this holiday ride!

But, the main reason to see Another Night Before Christmas is to catch the duet of Adjan and Clement interact and sing. They are two of the area’s most visible and award-winning duos and they seem imbued with the kind of spirit that the holiday season should be all about!

Karol Elliot (Adjan) is a kind, young lady who seals herself off from the world on Christmas Eve. She doesn’t even pick up her phone when her family or ex boyfriend calls. A man—called The Guy — (Clement) breaks into her apartment and goes from being an unwanted intruder to a welcome guest, with amazing powers such as knowing when a phone will ring and who is on the line. This “homeless man” proves to be more than the heroine first believes. And, thus we have the makings of a schmaltzy look at a woman who is redeemed – thanks to Santa and the holiday spirit.

Yes, the plot is transparent. But, who cares? It’s all about feeling good!

The music is adequate although not the kind which you will be humming as you leave the theatre. Actually, the final number – Please Send Me Christmas – has powerful lyrics and when Clement sings Believe In Me, you get the feeling this show may be sending a worthy message to those who have become “too adult” to really get the spirit of the holidays. In fact, the lyrics by Grennan generally stand out – thanks again by the delivery of the two stars.

This show runs through Dec. 27 but not on Christmas Eve. Spend that time with those you love or watching Jimmy Stewart on TV in It’s a Wonderful Life. But first, call 305 444-9293 for tickets at Actors’ Playhouse.