Carroll Studios Inc.
While various theaters in the Milwaukee area host their holiday shows throughout this month, Waukesha Civic Theatre’s Candy Cane Tales and Holiday Carols tells a story noticeably relatable.
Bill Bickford (Mike Owens) is a Harley-Davidson employee and family man whose favorite time of year is none other than the Christmas season. The story begins with his wife Judy (Jen Hull Anderson) and their four kids walking into their house after picking up Christmas trees for each member of the house, a Bickford family tradition. The kids hurriedly go about their business, scurrying to their rooms of solitude, playing with toys and texting boys while Bill brings in boxes of decorations and belts out some classic holiday tunes. He then gathers the family together to announce a month-long list of Christmas activities for them to complete, just as they have done in the past. Much to his surprise, however, the kids (and even Judy) are not too thrilled on the activities that span every day of the month. As the story progresses, each character brings up an alternative priority to get them out of watching the same movies, going out caroling and game nights. The most vocal of his distaste is the son Augie (Tristian Harris), who continuously holds himself up in his room, even when he is the last family member at home one night with Bill. One of Augie’s sisters jokes that he is just “going through a phase” but it is a true distinction of growing up.
I think it is fair to say we have all had an Augie moment during the holidays where even if we aren’t trying to leave the house, we would rather stay in our rooms or do other activities than family traditions. With scenes broken up by musical performances and classic Christmas skits (I enjoyed the elf who wants to be a dentist and meets Rudolph), Candy Cane Tales reminds us that while some traditions may be boring to us, they matter to others. This time of year is a reflection on how we spend our time with family, even as we grow older.
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Through Dec. 16 at Waukesha Civic Theatre, 264 W. Main St. Waukesha. For tickets, visit waukeshacivictheatre.org or call 262-547-0708.
