Interview with the Director of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!),” Dylan Smail

After the opening of “Every Christmas Story Every Told (And Then Some!),” by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez, we checked in with Director Dylan Smail to ask about the show.

Question 1: Why did you want to direct this show?

One of the reasons I fell in love with theatre many years ago was because I watched a recording of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). I always wanted to be in that show, because like this show, it is just about comedy for the sake of having fun and having a good laugh. Then I got my wish in 2017, but that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to go to the next level and direct a show just like Complete Works. Well when I saw that Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) was going to be performed this season I knew I needed to put my name in the hat to direct it! It felt like a match made in heaven because Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday so I knew I would have a lot of fun with this show!

Question 2: How would you describe your vision for this production?

My vision for the show, put simply, is CHAOS. With a show like this, I knew I had to make it as chaotic as I could so the audience really feels like this is 3 actors abridging Christmas stories and traditions on the fly, and I think we really captured that spirit!

Question 3: How has the rehearsal process been for this show? What has been exciting? What has been challenging?

The rehearsal process was just a fun time! This show allowed us to really play around in the space both figuratively and literally, and I really think it shows! I would say there weren’t many challenges with this process, except maybe the challenge of having to figure out which bits are the funniest and stay in the show cause, not to toot my own horn, but I found some of the funniest actors out there and they have such good chemistry where almost anything they do is hilarious!

Question 4: What has been your favorite moment so far?

It’s really hard to pick just one, but its got to be when we had a dress rehearsal with a few audience members and I got to see these 3 terrific actors finally get to play around in the space of the show with a live audience. I was a very proud director that night and I have only gotten more proud of them with each show we have done!

Question 5: What should the audience be excited about seeing or experiencing at your show?

Be excited for a rollercoaster of a night! It is just nonstop comedy from start to finish. Bring the family, bring your friends, and let yourself and those with you bask in this wonderful and sometimes silly holiday we call Christmas!

Bonus Question: Who in the show is most like their character? Who’s the least?

With this show we do use the actors real names, but they definitely aren’t all like their characters. Inez is DEFINITELY just like their character because that energy you see on stage is completely true to them. Hailey would have to be the one least like her character because her character in the show is much more of a grinch at times than Hailey is in real life!

Visit here to learn more about “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” and to get your tickets today.