The holiday season is off to a good start with the Millbrook Community Players' gently affectionate production of Pat Cook's Not a Creature was Stirring...not even a Moose.
A lot of silliness occurs in the office of J. J. Garnes [Steve Phillips], the editor of a weekly newspaper who is always looking for an angle on a story that would sell more papers than those of his frenemy Winona Pershing's [Tracey Quates] rival newspaper.
While he bemoans the commercialization of Christmas, it is clear that J. J. is eager to reap its benefits when he discovers a sentimental note to Santa from "Joey", and sets out to discover the boy's identity to capitalize on his heartwarming story. -- Act I is replete with two staff members -- Delilah [Karla McGhee] and Sarah [Donna Young] --whose pointed quips entertain us and challenge J. J.; and a corrupt Mayor [Michael Snead].
To complicate matters, there is a story about a mysterious "wish-granting ornament" in the shape of a Moose that seems to fulfill the wishes of anyone holding it.
Act II brings in an eccentric crop-duster pilot aptly named Buzzy [Carol Majors adds significant energy every moment she is on stage]; her escapades as Santa in dropping presents from her plane to needy children are hilarious. The presents are provided by Fiona [Cheryl Phillips] whose compassion for the children is laudable. -- But when concerns arise regarding the presents, both the Mayor and his inept henchman Sgt. Slattery [Hudson Lee-Thor] get more in the way than being helpful
At the center of the play's Christmas themes is the janitor Barney [John Chain], whose pearls of wisdom and unassuming demeanor in describing the magical ornament and his repeated message os Hope and Faith argue the true meaning of Christmas, and force others to wonder whether Barney is the real Santa or one of his Elves.
There is a kind of Scrooge reclamation when J. J. finds out "Joey's" true identity, and he winds up doing something decent for the needy children [and perhaps for his employees as well].
An enjoyable light comedy to start the holiday season.
