John McGivern’s Next Act Christmas

Next Act Theatre and John McGivern have sent Milwaukee a most delightful Christmas card in Pat Hazell’s A Kodachrome Christmas, an evening of laughter, warmth and holiday charm.

McGivern brings his trademark style to this fresh and funny one-man show. As Earlene Hoople, homespun cable access hostess of the “Early Bird Morning Show,“ the Emmy award-winning actor and comic serves up holiday fare that celebrates family, fun and fond memories. McGivern modeled Earlene on an amalgam of his mother‘s five sisters. Each lends an attribute to this lovable, snappy character. If Earlene seems familiar, it’s because we all have an aunt in a crazy Christmas sweater.

The conceit is that Earlene is taping her holiday show before a studio audience, so the audience has a role to play. This alternative Martha Stewart bakes and decorates her way into your heart. Wielding a spatula like a conductor’s baton, she leads a makeshift bell choir comprised of patrons she recruits like a kindergarten teacher choosing hall monitors.  In a particularly charming segment, Earlene seeks out an audience member to assist as she creates a batch of sugar cookies. Without breaking character for a moment, McGivern takes the inevitable leap into improv and shows himself at his finest – off script, ad-libbing and yucking it up.

Whether engaged in casual repartee with an audience member or strutting across the stage as the “queen of rural media,” McGivern gives a layered performance that‘s heart-warming and memorable. McGivern’s finesse and style earned the standing ovation he received opening night. A Kodachrome Christmas is classic McGivern and a Christmas classic.

A Kodachrome Christmas runs through New Year’s Eve at Next Act Theatre. It’s on South Water Street where it trails off into industrial… Oh, just follow the bird to get there.