←Recommendations of A Hit and Miss Christmas

"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!

Emma Wood nails the fundamental culture of small theatre, sure - with wit and a wicked eye - but more deeply, Wood delves into the conflicts between staid traditionalists and innovative artists, between the old (white, male) guard and the new inclusive society forming around them and in spite of them - and illustrates it with the perfect theatrical device: a small theatre choosing the familiar (and "bums on seats" safe) A Christmas Carol, or taking a risk on a new, artistic venture - and Wood has created a perfect new, adventurous, artistic holiday classic!

The maneuvering, infighting, backstabbing, and self-pitying posturing in national politics has never had anything on the political machinations behind the scenes in a theater company, and Emma Wood captures it all in this viciously sweet comedy. Sharply drawn characters and the age old conflict raging around what is commercial vs. what is art – especially at the holiday season – keep the action moving at a quick, fun, pace.

"A Hit and Miss Christmas" is a funny and, at times, very poignant play about a theater company and theater people at a crossroads, figuring out who and what they want to be going forward. The company members wrestling between sticking with classics that have been done to death versus trying something new rings very true. I felt like I knew these people, and I enjoyed spending this time with them. This was a lovely read!

EMMA WOOD uses her talents to create a heartwarming holiday play. A group of actors are challenged to do something different than the Charles Dickens classic. A new Director has a vision ‘out-of-the-box’ while the theater’s President believes the classic play is what their audience wants. A white man’s prejudice towards gays and females is tested. “A Hit And Miss Christmas” is a wonderful play and a must-see for all of us who value the real meaning of Christmas.