Editor’s Note:
The review that appears below was for last year’s world premiere production.
The 2024 production is a sequel to the 2023 “Christmas in the Catskills” which enjoyed a sold-out run. This follow-up sees Tony Braithwaite return to celebrate the best of the Borscht Belt with comedic vignettes paying homage to Henny Youngman, Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, and many, many more. With musician Dan Matarazzo on the piano, “Christmas in the Catskills 2: A Star is Borscht” promises to be a hilarious evening of stories, jokes, and songs.
2024 ticket prices start at $32 and are available online at act2.org, by calling the Act II Box Office at 215-654-0200, or in-person at the Box Office at 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA. The Box Office is open Mon-Sat, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Student tickets are $15 and group discounts are available.
Act II Playhouse is at 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002
Act II’s World Premiere ‘Christmas in the Catskills’ Sells Out Fast
by J.S. Alleva
If you’re heading to Ambler’s Act II Playhouse this December, get ready for a ‘starry’ night filled with belly laughter and nostalgia. A world premiere production created by Director Tony Braithwaite, Assistant Director Nick Cardillo, and Musical Director Dan Matarazzo, Christmas in the Catskills is a bawdy “Borscht Belt” blast, letting loose a verbal tornado of humor from some of comedy’s greatest talents and blending it with recorded audience memories, recalling their time at the Catskill resorts, witnessing first-hand the brazen wit, audacious humor, and outrageously-good timing of so many of the world’s best-known stand-up comics.
Running now through Dec. 30, Christmas in the Catskills is currently sold out… except for ONE ticket showing available on the final performance, so grab it now! Call the box office to check for cancellations and you may experience a Christmas miracle. It is worth the effort. Experiencing this show is a feast of funny.
Touted as a one-man performance, the show highlights the comedic brilliance of Philly’s own Tony Braithwaite, and he is held aloft by a delightful sidekick straight-man played by pianist Dan Matarazzo, whose beaming grin, smooth setups, and well-tickled ivories gave the show warmth, balance, and charm. Together, Braithwaite and Matarazzo pay homage to the Catskill resorts of the 1950s & 1960s, where comedy legends like Rodney Dangerfield, Joan Rivers, Billy Crystal, George Burns, Henny Youngman, Jerry Lewis. and more found a comedy haven and got the whole world laughing.
As the youngest-ever comedian to play The Improv in New York City, Tony Braithwaite has dedicated a lifetime to the craft of comedy, and it shows in this production. His love for the Catskill greats is evident, and it seems he honors them all in this fast-paced production. His lightning-quick character transitions, especially while reading the crowd-pleasing “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” are a joy to watch. The whip-smart counterplay between Braithwaite and Matarazzo shines, and the rousing musical showstoppers burst forth as the audience roars with applause. The laughter truly begins with the very first line and never stops.
The set welcomes us into a resort lounge with dark hardwood floors, pale blue walls with white paper snowflakes, and sparkling multi-traditional holiday décor. Scenic Designer Megan Jones’ festive setting features a garland-festooned upright piano, rich gold satin curtains, and a well-chosen Mid-Century Modern sideboard and bar.
The stage is constructed by Flannel & Hammer Scene Shop, with scenic painting by Eliot Curtis. An array of props by Carolyn Dixon gives the performers everything they need to portray a long list of characters. Warm lighting and lively music by Lighting Designer Eric Baker and Sound Designer Adam Danoff create the perfect nostalgic mood.
This seamless production is run beautifully by Stage Manager Patricia G. Sabato, under the direction of Director/Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite, and Assistant Director Nick Cardillo. The previously recorded audience memories are cleverly shared (from behind the golden curtain) by Projections Designer Patrick Dolan.
The show does venture into mature themes, always with good-natured humor. However, as with many of the fearless comedians portrayed by Braithwaite, no punches are pulled. They go there. So, get ready to laugh out loud (with shock or surprise), wince, groan, chuckle, and nod with recognition. Keep in mind, the 13+ age warning on the act2.org website is warranted.
Wrapping up, Christmas in the Catskills is a raucous romp through an hour plus of career-making one-liners (and more) from a plethora of comedy superstars, performed with masterful skill and warmth. If you snagged a ticket, enjoy every moment. If you missed it and cannot pull a miracle, do not despair. If this production shows what Act II Playhouse can do with a very small cast, you can catch their upcoming Tea for Three, where one woman takes on the roles of three First Ladies. As their friendly box office staff member suggested, “Buy early!”
Christmas in the Catskills is approximately 70 minutes long with no intermission. Bathrooms are located upstairs. Warning: due to language and mature themes, this show is best for ages 13+.