Arts & Entertainment

Local News At Its Funniest: "The Christmas Report" at ART Station

You don't have to live in the City of Stone Mountain or "Mt. Stone" to recognize the butt of the jokes in this hilarious and lively play.

I was finally able to carve out some time to see "The Christmas Report,", the play by David Thomas (music by Patrick Hutchison) which ends its run at Dec. 23.

It's definitely time well spent - especially if you like a little good-natured fun poked at everything from local media, clubs and townsfolk, to current events and the rich and famous (my favorite - "Lady Lady Ga Lady").

Here's how ART Station describes things on its website: "Just as folks are preparing for the Christmas Season there is something strange going on in Mt. Stone that has caught everyone's attention. A team of crazy correspondents have been dispersed to cover the situation from a variety of viewpoints as the stoic anchors try to keep the viewers well informed. Don't be the last to know!"

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The play takes the audience through the super hyped-up reporting of the main news story and other events in the little municipality, which is "Lantana's mountain town."

There are delightfully thinly-veiled references to all things local in this hilarious and lively play. News reports come from the "Lantana Urinal-Constipation," "Snatch" (sound familiar?) and "Channel Monica," where "the weather is always severe." The play even works in the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal.

Find out what's happening in Lilburn-Mountain Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I loved everything from the tightly-wound anchors - played expertly by Bryan Brendle and Keena Redding Hunt - to the many characters portrayed by the amazingly talented and versatile Tracy Vaden Moore ("Mayor Wee Pat," Snatch's "Fanny J. Crosby," etc.) and Googie Uterhardt ("Lady Lady Ga Lady," "Rev. Sparkler," and more).

Not to forget the "Christmas" part of the "The Christmas Report," there are cameos by Santa Clause and a fun remix of classic carols.

Here's a portion of what the playwright, David Thomas, writes about his work in the program: "Although this play takes place in "Mt. Stone" there are thousands of "Mt. Stones" throughout the United States, particularly in the South. The "stakes" are much higher for those of us who live in small towns. In a small town we all know each other. There is no where to hide."

No kidding!

If you want a good laugh that will have real meaning because you're very familiar with -- or in some cases, are -- the butt of the jokes, see "The Christmas Report."

Check the ART Station website for remaining dates, times, and ticket prices. The next show is Wednesday, Dec. 21, 10:30 a.m. Tickets for that show are $15.

If you've already seen the play, what did you think? Tell us in the comments.


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