HARTFORD—Holidays are all about bringing people together, while surviving the hustle and bustle. TheaterWorks Hartford presents its annual twisted tradition, “CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS”, to celebrate this holiday season with introspection, wit, and dark humor.
A collection of retold holiday classics, the show is composed by playwrights Edwin Sánchez, Judy Gold, Jenn Harris, Jeffrey Hatcher, Jacques Lamarre, and Matthew Wilkas. The performance runs from November 29 to December 22, 2024.
“I would think that the main theme is to enjoy the darkness sometimes that happens in some Christmas stories, to find the humor in it, to allow ourselves to laugh,” Sánchez told CT Latino News. “I think the idea that we can laugh and all come together in a theater and just enjoy ourselves, I think is so important.”
On Christmas Eve, a bartender finds himself serving a surprising array of visitors—so much for a silent night at the local dive bar. One by one, children from our favorite Christmas specials and movies arrive, now all grown-up and with new troubles.
“All these characters thought that their lives were going to turn out one way, and they really turned out another,” said Sánchez. “We get to enjoy that and say ‘yeah, that’s kind of how life turned out for most of us.’”
Returning for its 12th season, “CHRISTMAS ON THE ROCKS”, is conceived and directed by Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero. This year’s performance stars Harry Bouvy, Jen Cody, and Richard Kline as “The Bartender”.
“I grew up watching Three’s Company, so it’s especially great to have Richard back ‘behind the bar’ this year! His work on the series, as well as in many sitcoms that defined my childhood, shows he has the craft and sense of humor to bring something exciting to the role,” said Producing Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero. “Also thrilled to have Jen and Harry back for another year! It makes the process so much fun. We have a few new surprises and updates in store for our 12th year!”
The artistic and design team include Director Rob Ruggiero, Michael Schweikardt on set design, Alejo Vietti on costume design, John Lasiter on lighting design, Michael Miceli on sound design.
Learn more about the performance and purchase tickets at twhartford.org or by calling 860-527-7838. The show runs for 100 minutes with no intermission.
Publisher’s Notes: CT Latino News is proud to partner with TheaterWorks Hartford in supporting the state’s Arts and Culture.