Here’s the gimmick: Take an utterly familiar chestnut, and then give it a twist by adding a totally incongruous new character into the story.
Just as it defies all logic to contemplate a comic-book action figure like the Incredible Hulk on the loose in Dickensian London, Dad’s Garage’s "Invasion: Christmas Carol" – like so many of the company’s other improvised shows (including its 2007 "Invasion: Our Town") – is ultimately an exercise in critical futility.
What’s a poor reviewer to do? Given its spontaneous and unpredictable nature, no two performances are ever the same, because the "invader" changes every night (based on an audience poll before each show). Scott Warren happened to be fairly amusing as the Hulk, mixing it up with Scrooge and Tiny Tim, et al. But, even if he hadn’t been, it’s a moot point either way, when nobody will get to see him play it again anyway.
As a concept, "Invasion" was developed by Dad’s 13-member Improv Ensemble. Directed by Chris Blair, this "Christmas Carol" version features Lucky Yates as ornery old Ebenezer, with Matt Horgan, Eve Krueger, Ed Morgan, Tara Ochs and Tom Rittenhouse in the various supporting roles.
In principle, at least, the idea has possibilities – depending on the "guest star." Still, when one of your two choices at any given show might be the Incredible Hulk, it tends to dumb things down considerably. (Which is why I would’ve voted to see Warren’s Bob Dylan instead.)
On this night, the rest of the cast did a respectable job of keeping pace with his raucous Hulk, frequently cracking themselves up in mid-scene. "Invasion: Christmas Carol" is funny like that. It’s all about them. You wouldn’t want it played straight, exactly, but more of the laughs hinge on how the actors respond or adapt, rather than how their characters do.
Is that asking for too much, even from a decidedly silly improvisational show?
It’s enough to drive a critic to drink – which, come to think of it, could be the ideal frame of mind for appreciating a lot of the troupe’s work. In the interest of maintaining a clear head, though, I never imbibe while I’m working. That may explain why I often leave the Garage feeling like some kind of a fuddy-duddy who can’t take a joke, trying to make some real sense of what I’ve just seen, when perhaps I ought to be more concerned about getting a buzz on.
A typically rowdy Dad’s crowd has the luxury of ordering another round of beer or wine to help put them in the proper mood. During an obligatory bit of audience participation, one tipsy woman was lured to the stage to play Mrs. Fezziwig, so obviously out of it that she became something of a running gag in the show.
She may have made an easy mark, but luckily for her, she probably didn’t remember a thing about it the morning after.
Theater review
"Invasion: Christmas Carol"
Grade: C
Through Dec. 23. 8 p.m. Thursday-Wednesday (no show on Dec. 21). $15-$20. Dad’s Garage, 280 Elizabeth St. 404-523-3141. dadsgarage.com.
Bottom line: Ebenezer Scrooge meets the Incredible Hulk. You might need a drink to really get it.
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