Play review by Orcas Islander Tom Welch.

The Actors Theater of Orcas Island is out to hurt you (as in, you’ll laugh so much it hurts) with their production of “The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of A Christmas Carol”, a comedy by David McGillivray and Walter Zerline Jr.

Doug Bechtel’s masterful direction of a cast of gifted local actors is simply terrific …. but painful in the extreme. My ribs hurt from laughing uncontrollably as I joined the other poor victims in the audience, reeling from one hysterical bit of acting foolery to the next. Rendered nearly helpless by intermission, we gratefully paused to check our pulses and calm our blood pressure before being beset once again by helpless fits of giggles, and worse. As the second act descended into an unfettered melee of comic insanity, fits of uncontrolled laughter erupted all around and continued without letup to the end.

Each actor plays multiple roles in this English farce, with Suzanne Groper setting the stage as Mrs. Reece, the smoothly bossy lady in charge. Her constant patter and engaging asides fit the role perfectly as she smoothly struggles to make the best of what promises to be a stage disaster of epic proportions. When she opens by telling us that the actors have missed the ferry, and audience members must fill the roles, she has more than one person looking like a deer in the headlights. She is delightful in every sense as she becomes alternately Tiny Tim, Fred’s Wife, Mrs. Dilber, A Gentleman, and, finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Luanne Pamatian is Felicity, who plays Fred, Little Fan, Old Joe, and Half of the Ghost of Christmas Past. Bravely soldiering on despite catastrophe all around her, Pamatian is a true comic as she moves around the stage, not missing a beat in line or expression. An accomplished performer in all her roles, Pamatian plays each part wonderfully well, including an acrobatic turn as the north half of the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Tony Lee artfully manages to stay a half-step ahead or behind the others in yet another demonstration of his considerable acting skills. It’s not easy, being the unfortunate lone male in a cast of capable, competitive women who are determined to succeed despite all evidence to the contrary. Lee is Gordon, who also plays Mrs. Cratchit, Jacob Marley, Half of the Ghost of Christmas Present, the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Mr. Fezziwig. He nails every role in an effortlessly comedic tour de force, seemingly unfazed by the increasing madness around him .

Annette Mazarella is Thelma, so well-armed with an arched eyebrow and withering glare that you’d think she needs a carry permit. As Thelma, playing Ebenezer Scrooge, Mazarella is perfect as the Doyenne of the Guild. Superior to all and barely in temper as those lesser mortals try their best to ruin her award-worthy performance, Mazarella wields her weapons brilliantly as she forges ahead despite the misfortunes and failings of others.

Lesley Liddle is a two-legged riot playing Mercedes, who has seemingly survived a terrible accident to struggle on in her roles as Bob Cratchit, Belle, and A Boy. The audience hysteria increases with each incredible step as she does her best to maneuver on two legs that apparently belong on another body. Tottering, reeling, and slowly gathering up steam in a headlong rush from one side of the stage to the other, Liddle is a wonder to behold. When she finally brings Mazarella down with her in an epic struggle to stand erect, the audience falls apart.

Clever, creative staging and effects add to the sheer enjoyment all audiences will find in this funny, funny play. This is just the thing to make the seasons ring, and to put us all in the right mood for this wonderful time of the year. Kudos to Doug Bechtel for yet another well-crafted stage offering with a terrific cast of highly capable and entertaining local actors. ‘Tis the season…treat yourself and all your friends to a play you won’t soon forget!

A Christmas Carol is playing at the Grange at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17 & 18. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and are available at Darvill’s, at the door, and online at The Actors Theater of Orcas Island.