BY AMY LYONS
It’s a classic Christmas story told via classic crooner tunes. “Frosty the Snow Manilow” finds the Troubadour Theatre Company up to their usual hilarious antics, pairing the story of a magic-hatted snowman with songs that wouldn’t fit the bill were comedy not the intended outcome. Let the snowy shenanigans begin.
The story plays out much like the cartoon, and the company imitates the characters to a tee. When Karen (Christine Lakin) witnesses Frosty (Paul C. Vogt) come to life with the donning of a black top-hat, she immediately decides he’s her new best friend. But the snowman’s life becomes imperiled by rising temperatures, so Karen accompanies him on a journey to the North Pole, where chilly climes will save his life. A rabbit, Hocus (Lorin Shapiro) comes along for the journey. Of course, the Troubies put their own spin on this innocent cartoon, steering Hocus through an insatiable leg-humping habit, and assigning Frosty an impatient streak.
Winter Warlock’ (Beth Kennedy), ‘Hinkle’ (Matt Walker), ‘Karen’ (Christine Lakin) and ‘Santa’ (Jack McGee) in the Troubadour Theater Company’s Frosty The Snow Manilow at the Falcon Theatre. Photo by Chelsea Sutton.
As the northward journey unfolds, Hinkle (Matt Walker), that greedy magician who wants Frosty’s powerful hat, tails the trio. Walker’s mimicry of the dastardly magic man is some of the funniest stuff of the show. When he gets his hands on the hat he literally makes it dance in his deft hands.
Beth Kennedy likewise has some wonderful moments as the Winter Warlock, a stilt-walking character whose supposed mystical powers are belied by an obsession with banalities and pop culture references. Rick Batalla brings the highest doses of Manilow to the ordeal when he busts out in full-on lounge singer mode. Jack McGee narrates from his cozy armchair by the fire. He also shows up as a jive-talking Santa near show’s end.
‘Frosty’ (Paul C. Vogt) and ‘Crystal’ (Peter Allen Vogt). Photo by Chelsea Sutton
The story veers into all realm of poetic license for the sake of the comedy. The Troubies flip, somersault, dance and sing their way through new versions of “Mandy”, “Copacabana” and more. It’s a good way to get into the Christmas spirit sans sappiness.
Through January 17 at The Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Dr., Burbank. Visit www.falcontheatre.com.
Amy Lyons is a professional freelance journalist and theatre critic, with a degree in Theatre Arts and English from UMass, Boston. She started her journalism career at The Boston Globe and is a member of the Drama Critics Circle. Her articles, theatre reviews and photos regularly appear in numerous publications, including the Beverly Press, Valley Life Magazine, the Santa Monica Mirror and www.nohoartsdistrict.com
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