Let OLT’s ‘On The Farce Day of Christmas’ Kick off Your Holiday Season 

Christmas movies about dysfunctional families, like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, and Christmas with the Kranks, resonate because they highlight the gap between the idyllic vision of a perfect holiday and the chaotic reality many experience. These films, with their mix of humour and heartfelt moments, have become staples for families who return to them year after year to laugh at the relatable messiness of clashing personalities and holiday miscommunications.

Now, a fresh contender for Christmas classic status has taken the stage at Ottawa Little Theatre. On The Farce Day of Christmas, written by Kevin Levine, once again brings the chaos of family dynamics to life. From personality clashes to holiday mishaps, the play masterfully captures the stress and humour of the season. Packed with laugh-out-loud one-liners, it showcases the sharp comedic writing that made Levine a standout talent behind beloved television hits like MASH*, Cheers, and Friends.

Running until December 21st, On The Farce Day of Christmas offers a humorous perspective that allows us to chuckle at our own flaws. The humour and chaos remind the audience that they’re not alone in their quest to create the “perfect” Christmas. Although the characters’ antics are exaggerated, they remain relatable and charming.

The cast is solid, delivering strong performances. On The Farce Day of Christmas is the tale of Wendy (Amy Kennedy) and her former spouse Gary (Josh Sparks), who travel from Los Angeles to Utah—a bastion of Mormonism where indulging in mulled wine and spiked eggnog is not welcomed—to spend Christmas with her parents. More taboo than alcohol consumption is divorce, a fact Wendy has successfully concealed from her parents for the past eight months, intending to maintain the ruse. A substantial bribe to Gary ensures that the deception continues — so much for holiday perfection!

Mom (Dianna Renee Yorke) is affectionate and doting and longs for unity and the nostalgia of joyous Christmases past. Her devotion to God has her locked indefinitely in a desperately unhappy marriage to the self-absorbed, sulking and irritable Dad (Mike Kennedy). Dad’s loud and over-the-top nature, coupled with his unusual profession as a brine shrimp harvester, adds a comedic element to the play.

Directed by Sarah Hearn, the appeal of On The Farce Day of Christmas lies in the underlying warmth. Despite the dysfunction and mishaps, the play ends with reconciliation, love, joy, and an amicable divorce, reinforcing the idea that family ties can endure even the most trying circumstances.

The Farce Day of Christmas is highly engaging and deserves to become an annual classic at OLT. It’s the ideal play to kick off the holidays, reminding audiences that the spirit of the season isn’t about perfection but about connection and embracing chaos with humour and heart.

The play runs from Wednesday to Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee at 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, continuing until December 21st.

Tickets can be purchased from www.ottawalittletheatre.com or by calling 613-233-8948.