Christmas in Hell NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (107)
See it if you're up for a silly, raunchy, truly funny skewing of Christmas, religion, & a few other things we usually treat more earnestly. Fun!
Don't see it if an SNL sensibility rubs you the wrong way, you're offended by swearing, or you're more interested in traditional holiday fare.
See it if You like campy musicals with occasionally raunchy songs.
Don't see it if You’re easily offended by naughty song lyrics.
See it if Goofy and wildly imaginative world that doesn’t take itself seriously and would be a fun detour for the family
Don't see it if Perfect example of how clever writing doesn’t always translates to a terrific performance. A little too tamed and silly to explore hell. Read more
See it if you want to hear some great singing, some clever lyrics and see a perfect cast. This is not for children however. The story needs work.
Don't see it if you are offended by the f-word; or making fun of religion. You expect a warm/fuzzy Christmas story, though its buried within.
See it if you like irreverant shows like The Book of Mormon
Don't see it if you prefer if you don't like shows that have a lot of inappropriate humor or deal with religious matters in irreverant ways.
See it if You like great Christmas sweaters
Don't see it if You do not like ballet. Irina D is the best part of the show. Singing BY female cast gets overwhelmed by the music
See it if you want something different for the holidays. Offbeat with some good performances. Fine set.
Don't see it if you'd like something traditional. Besides, this can use more work. Still, it's entertainingly silly .
See it if York gives Apple's 'Hell' a top notch polished production although it's only an extended musical sketch Has funny moments w/ clever premise
Don't see it if Despite it's DIY/Fringe quality, Apple - book, music & lyrics - could have used another set of eyes (esp in music dept) Able cast works hard
Critic Reviews (14)
"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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“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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"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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“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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