a 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at Razz Ma Tazz Theatre, Ramstein AB (Kyle Kostner)

Bringing humor to our holidays for one weekend only, “a 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol” directed by Mandie La Bell, had audiences laughing. There was not a dull moment during this upbeat play performed by the Razz Ma Tazz Theatre at Ramstein’s Community Center.

Feeling like a live studio audience, we felt the chaos and saw the shenanigans required to ensure that the “show must go on,” even if it was only radio. Taking place during World War II, the show follows William St. Claire, played by MSgt (ret) T. John Fisher, who recently moved from being an actor to performing for radio. He is quite the dry-humored diva, making sure all eyes in the studio are on him and requiring completely unnecessary costume changes (this is radio, after all).

Set on Christmas Eve of 1943, the radio show is attempting to present a renewed take on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, but accidents happen, interruptions drag on and a new ending must be crafted. Live. On Air. The joy of this performance was the deep dive into period references. This included funny scenes promoting products like the one that claimed, “all doctors recommend people smoke Lucky Strike cigarettes!” The Razz Ma Tazz cast excelled in their use of period accents, and the costumes were spot-on.

a 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at Razz Ma Tazz Theatre, Ramstein AB (Kyle Kostner)

As the play progressed, we got to know the radio performers and crew as they attempted to handle all types of malfunctions and issues. The brave leader, Clifton Feddington, played by Al Church, plows ahead through thick and thin. Sally Simpson, played by Maddie Turner, is a tough lady despite her cutesy voice (she voices the babies and animals) and made me laugh every time. And we all howled when Fritz (SSgt. Sari Seibert) flirts with Judith (TJ Thompson) and she proclaims, “I have two kids and two exes and I ain’t looking to add more, either.”

Eventually, St. Claire has a breakdown, the bizarre ending is reached and we’ve all learned a little something about, well, why we enjoy funny performances at Razz Ma Tazz. This fantastic show was filled with humor and holiday nostalgia. The only critique: one weekend wasn’t enough.

a 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at Razz Ma Tazz Theatre, Ramstein AB (Kyle Kostner)