"A Hit and Miss Christmas" made me laugh out loud. Wood walks a tightrope between sentimentality and cynicism to deliver a disarming, unvarnished, and ultimately joyful Christmas experience. She also captures the politics and absurdity of community theater in a loving way. Several unexpected reversals kept me engaged for the read. It does have an Australian feel, but I think audiences in the U.S. would thoroughly enjoy this show.

In terms of tone, this play reminds me of the original version of the film Miracle on 34th Street, in that the tough-talking modern cynicism of the characters helps to mitigate and earn the sweet and sentimental aspects of this holiday story -- but those warm, lovely aspects of the story leave the most lasting impression. Having shows within the show makes it feel meta, gently satirizes small-town theater and allows for a fresh story with echoes of a holiday classic.

I loved reading "A Hit and Miss Christmas" recently! It expertly explores the very contemporary challenge of finding a balance between traditional theatre and new, experimental theatre. But it never forces a solution, opinion, or judgement on either side of the argument. Through comedy, and a brilliant cast of characters, it simply allows audiences to consider how theatre has developed over centuries, and how it can continue to do so. Highly relevant to community theatres - I have recommended it to mine already!