A Naughty Holiday Treat: “A Nice Family Christmas” at Lyric Arts

I’m starting my 2025 #TCTheater holiday* season on the naughty side. There’s plenty of nice fare out there (e.g., Guthrie’s 51st production of A Christmas Carol or Chanhassen Dinner Theater’s remount of White Christmas), but if you’re looking a holiday treat that’s more salty than sweet, A Nice Family Christmas at Lyric Arts is a great choice.

Despite the title, this family is not so nice, as they reluctantly gather for a Christmas Eve full of family dysfunction, sibling rivalry, breakups, secrets revealed, misunderstandings, arguments, and eventual reconciliation.Written by phil Olson of the Don’t Hug Me franchise, this show has a similar tone of broad comedy and Minnesota references (it’s not a #TCTheater holiday season without lutefisk jokes!).

And it also has a bit of a DalekoArts wacky holiday comedy feel; this show reunites the director and writer of the now closed New Prague theater’s original holiday comedies and two of their regular cast members. The result is fun and wild and outrageous. Maybe don’t bring anyone who’s easily offended, but anyone who’s ready to laugh at the antics of this wacky dysfunctional family will have a great time.

The fun continues through December 21 on Lyric Arts Main Street Anoka stage.

The Importance of Being Earnest: A Review of Lyric Arts’ production

Lyric Arts’ recent production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is a delightful romp through Victorian society, prioritizing comedic timing and broad characterizations. The production, featuring a cast of seven, successfully captures the wit and absurdity of Wilde’s classic play, delivering consistent laughs and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

A Timeless Comedy of Manners

The Importance of Being Earnest, first performed in 1895, is a satirical play that pokes fun at the social conventions and hypocrisy of the late Victorian era. The play revolves around two young gentlemen, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who both create fictitious personas – “Ernest” – to escape social obligations and pursue romantic interests. Britannica describes the play as Wilde’s most popular work, and a cornerstone of comedic theatre.

Lyric Arts’ Approach: Embracing the Absurdity

This production, directed by Patrick, doesn’t shy away from the play’s inherent silliness. Instead, it fully embraces the broad comedy, allowing the actors to really lean into their roles and extract maximum humor from every line and situation. The cast demonstrates a strong understanding of comedic timing, and the physical comedy is notably effective. The director and cast clearly understand that the play isn’t about subtle nuance, but about delivering a consistently funny performance.

Strong Performances All Around

The entire cast delivers commendable performances. Each actor embodies their character with energy and enthusiasm, contributing to the overall comedic effect. The chemistry between the leads is particularly strong, enhancing the playful banter and romantic entanglements that drive the plot. The supporting characters, including the formidable Lady Bracknell, are equally well-portrayed, adding layers of complexity and humor to the story.

Key Takeaways

• Lyric Arts’ production prioritizes comedic timing and broad characterizations.
• The cast of seven delivers energetic and engaging performances.
• The production successfully captures the wit and satire of Oscar Wilde’s classic play.
• The play itself remains relevant today as a commentary on social hypocrisy and the pursuit of love.

Why The Importance of Being Earnest Still Matters

Despite being written over a century ago, The Importance of Being Earnest continues to resonate with audiences today. Its themes of identity, deception, and the absurdity of social conventions remain relevant in modern society. The play’s witty dialogue and clever plot twists make it a timeless classic, and lyric Arts’ production does a fantastic job of bringing Wilde’s masterpiece to life. The play’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to entertain while simultaneously offering a subtle critique of societal norms.

Published: 2025/11/22 17:44:06