Christmas in Hell NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (106)
See it if you'd like a musical comedy w a twist. A send-up of tradl holiday fare, CIH still imparts a sweet message. A wild ride from start to finish.
Don't see it if you dislike skewering of religion. CIH's funny, but some jokes fall flat/in bad taste. Great set, costumes, band. Hard-working talented cast
See it if If you want a show that tries really hard to be funny.
Don't see it if If you want a York, usual high quality production. If you want a good Christmas show.
Critic Reviews (14)
"A show must have a minimum of internal logic and some good tunes. 'Christmas in Hell' comes up short on both counts...Lucifer appears only in the second act, which is regrettable...Williams excels at portraying overconfident egomaniacs...A lot happens, none of it memorable except perhaps to dedicated fans of inept musicals...And so the show goes, stumbling from one scene to the next with no evidence of coherence, shoehorning songs that advance neither plot nor characterization."
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“The comedy musical, ‘Christmas In Hell’...bringing plenty of laughs from the crowds with ridiculous musical numbers all done with a live band...While the tale is funny, with hilarious songs...the musical isn't only here for a good laugh. It deals with family, especially the tight bond a child has with his father. In the midst of all the silliness, this show presents a solid understanding of unconditional love and the lengths we go for those we care about the most.”
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"Unfortunately, a fifty-five-year-old bakery item is fresher than some of the gags on offer here...'Christmas in Hell' pretends to be delightfully transgressive, but that's not pine cones and holly berries you smell, it's desperation...The best thing I can say about Bill Castellino's production is that it is filled with enthusiasm; this is especially true of the cast."
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"The holiday season is in for an irreverent satirizing in Gary Apple's musical comedy 'Christmas in Hell,' a rude and entertaining fable for adults. With book, music and lyrics by Apple, a writer/producer for television, the show now being produced by The York Theatre Company is a diverting antidote to all the mindlessly clichéd holiday cheer that is everywhere. With some clever lyrics, hummable tunes and a colorful cast of characters, 'Christmas in Hell' is a delightful little musical parody."
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“A lightweight musical that’s more than a little naughty...An ode to an off kilter Christmas that gets wicked before it goes right...Despite Apple’s comedy writing background, there really aren’t enough laughs...The cast has a good time...Their enthusiasm goes a long way towards making up for the lackluster lyrics and thin story...’Christmas in Hell’ isn’t the most subtle or sophisticated of shows, but what holiday isn’t made better by giving the sacred an unholy kick in the ass?”
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"Not that 'Christmas in Hell' doesn't have something going for it. Its score is catchy, its ensemble contains several standouts, its attempts at off-color holiday humor occasionally score, it has eye-catchingly amusing costumes…and wigs…and it gets a lively, over-the-top staging…'Christmas in Hell' is mildly enjoyable holiday nonsense but, at a bit less than two hours, it goes on too long and gets more laughs from its hard-working performers than its contents."
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“A delightful show that celebrates the holidays with tongue securely in cheek. It keeps you chuckling from start to finish, with catchy tunes, bright colors, and clever lyrics...’Christmas in Hell’ is happily and unapologetically theatrical...It’s lighthearted and effective...In the same spirit, the actors wring every drop of humor out of each lyric. They are clearly having a great time, which is 90% of what makes comedy work.”
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“A cheeky new addition to holiday theatrical offerings...The York deserves kudos for going out on a limb and pushing the envelope with this humdinger of a show...As quirky as it is, there are also touching moments...Although it starts as an edgy and irreverent piece, ‘Christmas in Hell’ has trouble securing its footing and comedic tone...Could be trimmed...Destined to become a perennial classic? Likely not, But it is a pleasant one that breathes fresh life into the standard Christmas story."
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"Although the York Theatre Company flashes a quality cast typical of its productions, the word cockamamie could have been invented to specifically apply to the book that Gary Apple has written for this musical. The actors work valiantly, but the story is so patently stupid that only occasionally entertaining numbers, for which Apple also has written music and lyrics, relieve the overall idiocy."
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"The rough and raw fringey show...still lacks theatrical refinement, with an unpolished tone that’s more in line with an extended SNL skit...Despite all of its dark humor, foul language, and sardonic views, 'Christmas in Hell' ultimately delivers an uncharacteristically sweet message of love...which comes just before its final FU to popular holiday traditions. So if you’re in the mood for giving the middle finger to all things seasonal, this just might be the show for you."
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"Cute as hell. The music is delightful and the cast a wonderful dispenser of screwball antics. For those looking for a good time, the show is a kind of dark Disney diversion delivering a fun bauble of seasonal entertainment...But while, on the surface, 'Christmas in Hell' is swell, it isn’t all it could be...The powerful themes and ideas are hobbled by a lack of focus, which prevent them from coming together in a rich, cohesive whole."
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“The story is silly but usually entertaining; the songs, cheeky, and often clever. The actors careen through this campy musical with dedication and gusto. There are some moments filled with less-than-inspired lyrics or dialogue, but there’s enough of oddball, quirky humor to make you chuckle throughout...For a breezy good time, check your expectations at the door and come see this not-so-wholesome holiday trifle.”
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“Not your average holiday show...The show is pretty funny and surprisingly touching at times...The songs are unique and eccentric...Although some parts of the show don't seem to make sense or lack consistency, over all, it is a crazy and fun ride It is the anti-Christmas show and yet, it is also the perfect show for the season because ultimately it is about love and family and the bond between a father and son.”
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"'Hell' aims to dive low and come up kicking, making spot-on connections between the underworld and such real live mortal threats as Sean Hannity. It’s also appealingly unafraid to invoke Oz-like sentiment in its refusal to grant everybody in its cast a beating, earthly heart...One sometimes wishes the musical had had the faith to pursue more complex and meaningful choices. However, there is plenty on the York stage at present to joyfully defeat the cruelest, most moribund fruitcake."
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