The sequel to "Christmas Story" puts a lovely spin on the season this weekend.

Last December, Aa Theatre, led by Japan-born and Thailand-bred Shoko Tanikawa, presented their first production “Christmas Story”. The engaging drama was set at a park on Christmas Eve when a mysterious Japanese man named Santa Claus (Shoko) was waiting for a woman named Marilyn Monroe whom he met on the internet. Instead, he met a streetwalker named Eri (Suphannahongse-Award nominated actress Sasithorn Panichnok) and a sick gay man Cherry (Phayap Kaewkred) both of whom offered him a "Christmas Sale", which he declined; in addition to a pizza delivery man Kero (Surachai Midam) who wanted to quit his lowly job. In the end, they formed a unique bond.

This year, the four friends are back again at the same park bench, although all have been through some changes.

“Initially, we didn’t plan to be a part of Bangkok Theatre Festival,” says Shoko, who resumes the same quadruple tasks, as producer, playwright, director, and actor. “But since the festival is running through mid-December, why not?”

“Santa is not looking for Marilyn: he’s here to meet his friends as all of them promised last year. Eri is no longer a hooker, but a restaurant waitress. Kero now becomes a cinema usher while Terry is suffering more from his illness and his death seems near.”  

“Although the playwright has chosen not to reveal what disease exactly Terry is suffering from,” adds Sasithorn.

All actors return to the roles they originated; an addition is another stage veteran Supasawat Buranavech, a veterinarian by profession, who will performs a lonesome vet Tony who meets the four friends by chance.

“He has no friends and wants to have some. It’s Christmas eve after all, and most people are enjoying themselves with friends and family members.”

“When five of them are here, it seems as though everyone has something he or she can give to the others, just the way Santa gives us what we want," Shoko says.

“But in this situation it's more about learning from one another's life experiences how to solve our own problems.”

“Santa and Eri have developed a kind of romantic relationship,” adds Sasithorn. “And this is the first time Santa knows what love truly is. But he doesn’t know how to show it, so his friends are helping him.”

“Last year, we all thought Santa brought some gifts for us. Before we met him, each and every one of us was very lonely. After talking to him, we’re happier. And that’s like Santa gave us gifts. So this year, we’re giving back to him.”

Shoko and Sasithorn both confirm that if you didn’t witness their first meeting, you’re still be able to enjoy this sequel. Plus, like all other productions by this troupe, all the dialogues will be translated into both Thai and Japanese and projected onto the back screen.

Christmas Story 2” performs at DemoCrazy Theatre Studio (MRT: Lumpini, Exit 1, then 50 metres into Soi Saphan Koo) from Wednesday (December 10) to Sunday (December 14). Weekdays at 7:30pm, weekends at 4pm. Tickets are Bt 200 (Bt 150 for students), bookable by calling 081-285-0278. For more details, click to www.SiamDemoCrazy.com 

written by Pawit Mahasarinand

published in Daily Xpress on Friday, December 12, 2008

photos courtesy of Aa Theatre