Off-Broadstreet Theatre presents a revival of Tom Dudzick’s holiday play.
By: Stuart Duncan
Sixteen years ago, when Tom Dudzick’s play Greetings! had its world premiere at George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, I commented that it was a play "only the cynics will hate." I added, "It is a delightfully old-fashioned blend of warm family humor and joyous ‘new age’ fantasy that leaves an audience limp from laughter and with just the hint of a tear in the corner of the eye."
Here it is almost a full generation later and Off-Broadstreet Theatre in Hopewell has revived the little gem, just in time to welcome the holiday season. And do you know what? We’re going to have to dust off all those enthusiastic adjectives again.
As far as plot is concerned, the Gorskis of Pittsburgh take second place to none when it comes to dysfunctional families. Phil, the dad, superbly played by Doug Kline, is perfectly willing to bellow his unhappiness at the neighbors for failing to "light up" the Christmas season. It is Christmas Eve and his house has all its lights burning. Of course, the electricians still haven’t got the plug arranged properly and that is worth a bellow or two, but the neighbors get yelled at more for not paying attention at all.
Further, dentists and priests don’t seem to want to work on a holiday eve and they are due for some shouting as well. Mom, played by Catherine Rowe, seems to be willing to retreat into a religious shell when the going gets particularly rough. And the son, Mickey (Geoffrey Barber in by far the best role he has had in many seasons), is intellectually handicapped and you can count his verbal expressions on two fingers.
It is, however, a big Christmas for the Gorskis. The older son, Andy (Matt Lafargue), is not only showing up for the holiday, but bringing his fiancée with him. She may be something of a challenge. Randi (played by Laura Chaneski) is Jewish and an atheist. Just what is needed to bring comfort to Mom and Pop.
But playwright Dudzick, and for that matter, Off-Broadstreet director Bob Thick, have some surprises for the audience. This may not be a message play; the values are homespun and there is nary a mention of sex or drugs (imagine that these days), but there is a huge plot development waiting after all the humor and the shouting. This is your ultimate "guess who’s coming to Christmas Eve" play and the ending will leave you as moved as anything you have seen in many years. It’s wonderful to have it back in the area laughs and enough depth for anyone.
Greetings! continues at Off-Broadstreet Theatre, 5 S. Greenwood Ave., Hopewell,
through Dec. 16. Performances: Fri.-Sat. 7 p.m. dessert, 8 p.m. show, Sun. 1:30
p.m. dessert, 2:30 p.m. show. Tickets cost $25.50-$27.25. For information, call
(609) 466-2766. On the Web: www.off-broadstreet.com

