A priest, a dog trainer and a magician stroll into Bronner's Christmas Wonderland to buy some ornaments.
No, that's not the opening line of a cheesy joke. Rather, it's the basic premise of an original holiday comedy at Planet Ant Theatre, and what the three men encounter in "Clear and Present Manger" will have you laughing from start to finish.
Set in "Michigan's Little Bavaria," a heretofore unknown group of terrorists known as the German Preservation Front has taken hostages at the famous Frankenmuth shop to protest what they see as the gross Americanization of their homeland and its customs. "It makes us sick," one of them says. And so their objective is to "take back what is rightfully ours."
That's easier said than done, of course.
And so is trying to synopsize this very fast-paced, full-length production in 300 words or less. Therefore, I won't even try, as the unexpected twists and turns are too numerous – and too zany – to do the show justice.
That also applies to the many characters brought to life by director Margaret Edwartowski and her five actor/writers. All performers play multiple roles, and each keeps them separate and distinct.
Popular improvisers Bryan Lark and Adam Peacock once again turn in their usual fine performances. However, my attention on opening night was focused on the debuts of three young newcomers to the Ant stage.
Jeremy Conn has great fun as the handsome hypnotist whose first-ever show as "Magic Matt Patterson" just happens to coincide with the hostage-taking. And Maria Monkaba commands attention as leader of the terrorist gang.
But it's 17-year-old Genevieve "Vivi" Jona who sparkles every minute she's on stage. With well-developed accents and amazing energy, the surprisingly polished performer bounces between characters with ease, getting the most laughs as the lesbian grandmother who handles the news of her grandson's sexual orientation far better than the kid's two gay dads.
(FOR "REVIEW BOX")
MINI-REVIEW:
'Clear and Present Manger'
Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff Ave., Hamtramck. Thu.-Sun., through Dec. 22. Tickets: $15. For information: 313-365-4948 or http://www.planetant.com
