By ADAM CROWE
A Seat on the Aisle
It’s December, and that means Indianapolis area theaters are putting on their Holiday Finery.
In the case of Indianapolis’ Phoenix Theatre, that means it is time for A Very Phoenix Xmas. 2025 brings us the XVII version. (How is that possible, I think to myself). A lot of the appeal to holiday shows is the comfort of familiar holiday stories. At the Phoenix, the “familiar” lies in the framework. In 2025, A Very Phoenix Xmas brings the expected mix of music and comedy. This 17th version provides both humorous (and sometimes absurd) holiday situations along with original music from local talent Paige Scott. The combination mostly works.
Many previous iterations of this Holiday favorite were amalgamations of sketches from multiple authors. This version is written and directed by Zack Neiditch, of Zach and Zack Productions. The moments and jokes that succeed best are driven by the talented cast. Made up almost exclusively of VPC newcomers, the cast brings energy, smarts, and timing to the comedy bits, and some wonderful harmonies to Scott’s music. Craig Underwood, Suraj Choudhary, Christine Zavakos, and Samantha J. Lewis join Cara Wilson in spinning out a wonderful variety of characters facing holiday stresses.
Director Neiditch handles his actors well, and the technical aspects of the production (designs by Zack Rosing, David Orr, Matthew Cunningham, and Kristin Renae Boyd) are first rate. Rosing’s video work on Orr’s elegantly functional set brings dimension, assisted by Cunningham’s lights and Boyd’s fun costumes. Scott’s music is also quite fun. She is assisted by musical director Ben Rose.
Whether it is a product of multiple authors or just one, A Very Phoenix Xmas usually walks a tightrope between heart and zingers. As I’ve said before, I usually prefer sharper targets. That said, the XVII version still brings plenty of laughs. And any lack of topical punch lines may be the result of the exhaustion that so many of us feel at this point in 2025. Despite some “salty” language, this year’s version is probably the comfort that audiences are looking for.
A Very Phoenix Xmas XVII runs through Dec. 21. The Phoenix Cultural Centre is located at 705 N. Illinois St. in downtown Indianapolis. Ticket information can be found at PhoenixTheatre.org or by calling (317) 635-7529.
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