The Winter Garden Theatre is full of holiday spirit with the arrival of Chris, Mrs.: a World Premiere musical with all of the charm of your favourite Hallmark Movie complete with all new songs. Written by husband and wife duo Katie Kerr and Matt Stodolak, Chris, Mrs. will fill your heart to the brim with joy and laughter this holiday season!
The story of Chris, Mrs. is delightful in that it follows a very similar plot line to all of those Hallmark Channel Christmas movies, yet it’s full to the brim with smart references to other Christmas stories, witty names, and of course the beautiful music composed for the production. When Ben Chris and his three children (Claire, Samantha, and Samuel) find themselves at his childhood winter getaway, emotions run high. Making them even higher is Ben’s business partner/girlfriend Vicki Vandrelle who’s come along for the vacation, and whom the children do not care for one bit. At the Poplar and Pine resort, owned by Ben and his brother Charlie, they meet Holly Carmichael, a sweet and cheerful woman who seems to have a bit of trouble staying in one place for too long. Romance is, of course, sure to follow, with the whole story culminating in a picture perfect moment in front of the town’s Christmas tree. This heartwarming tale will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart in the way only a Christmas story can.
For me, I loved how they snuck in so many Christmas references into the details of the story. The names were fantastic: Holly, Candace (Candy), Cole, Nick, and Mr. Cross (which works two ways: he’s Ben’s boss, so you have a Chris Cross partnership, but also Mr. Cross is the name of Bill Murray’s character in the movie “Scrooged”). Plus Claire talks about the moon at one point, like the piece “Au Claire de la Lune.” The references and quotes are everywhere, and it gets more delightful the more they reveal themselves. You can tell that Kerr and Stodolak love Christmas, and have put all of that passion into this work.
I also really enjoyed the fresh perspective of the songs in Chris, Mrs.. “Capture the Moment” and “Ready to Try” in particular encapsulate the struggles of growing up while also trying to stay present in an ever-changing world. You can tell that there’s a new generation of storytellers at the wheel with this production, and it makes me look forward all the more to see what will come next for Kerr and Stodolak, along with Boldly Productions.
The set design for Chris, Mrs. is equally as delightful as the story itself. Cory Sincennes’ design makes it look like we’re witnessing the whole story in a snow globe! The set is framed by a large arch with multi-coloured lights, and with a round snowy and blue backdrop, it’s like a Christmas ornament come to life. Versatile and aesthetically gorgeous, it makes the magic of the season feel larger than life. Sincennes also puts the same level of passion for detail into the incredible costume design which adds to the overall coziness and wintery atmosphere of the production.
Sarah Vance’s choreography is another element which gives Chris, Mrs. the incredible impact it has on the audience. Executing this high-flying and jaw-dropping choreography is a stellar ensemble featuring: George Absi, Carla Bennett, Devon Michael Brown, Shelley Kenney, Heather Kosik, and Jason Sermonia. The show-stopping choreo certainly gets plenty of ooohs, ahs, and cheers from the audience, and truly elevates the performance to that Broadway-ready level.
Speaking of Broadway, the absolutely stellar cast of Chris, Mrs. has members who have also spent some time on the great white way, as well as taken leading roles in more local festivals like Stratford and Shaw. Liam Tobin stars as Ben Chris, and watching his transformation from all-business-Scrooge to Christmas-loving-father is magical. Tobin has an incredible voice and a charm and ease about him that makes him instantly loveable. Danielle Wade shines as Holly Carmichael, her soaring voice and natural charisma making her a perfect fit. She is immediately endearing to the audience and her vivacity lights up the room. Taking centre stage as the stepmother-to-be is Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane as the sexy, metropolitan Vicki Vandrelle. Her solo number “Vicki’s Lament” is an absolute show-stopper and sends the audience into intermission saying “wow!” AJ Bridel is absolutely darling as Claire Chris; her awkward teenager mannerisms are spot on. She also gets to show off her stunning voice, especially in an amazing number with her love interests played by Andrew Broderick and Henry Firmston. Opening night, I saw Addison Wagman and Lucien Duncan-Reid who are fantastic as the Sams (some performances you’ll catch Finn Cofell and Isaac Grates-Myers in these roles). The two of them certainly have bright futures ahead of them of these performances are any indication! Rounding out the cast is Kale Penny, Sarah Lynn Strange and Mark Weatherley, who all bring a kindness, grace, and cheer to their roles.
Chris, Mrs. is sure to become a holiday staple here in Toronto, and hopefully beyond. It has all of the glitz, glamour, and fun we know and love from our musicals with more holiday cheer than you can shake a candy cane at. You won’t want to miss this incredible production; there’s nothing better to put you in the holiday spirit! For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.chrismrs.com
Cover Photo: Danielle Wade & Liam Tobin (centre) with Isaac Grates-Myers, AJ Bridel, Finn Cofell in Chris, Mrs. – A New Holiday Musical. Photo by Max Power Photography
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