Once again, the Alley Theatre presents The Night Shift Before Christmas as an alternative to the more family-oriented A Christmas Carol. Director KJ Sanchez, known for her work on Private Lives and American Mariachi, asserts that this year’s production is better than ever.
The script remains unchanged, continuing the story of Margot, portrayed expertly by Briana J. Resa. Margot is a fast-food worker who finds herself stuck in her job and has signed up for yet another overnight shift on Christmas Eve. However, this time, she is haunted by a series of ghosts.
The holiday season carries bittersweet memories for Margot, as she lost her mother on Christmas. Despite her reluctance, the ghosts encourage her to leave her shift and attend her cousin’s Christmas party.
“We had a great two weeks for re-rehearsals,” Sanchez shared. “Briana Resa improves with each performance. Our focus was on enhancing the emotional depth, fostering connections between characters, and emphasizing the humor.”
The play unfolds over 75 uninterrupted minutes of fast-food antics, featuring Margot managing drive-thru orders and operating a grill on stage. Orlando Arriaga brings various voices to life, adding a layer of authenticity with his dialogue.
<p“We’ve had an incredible time grilling real burgers on stage,” Sanchez noted. “During rehearsal breaks, we often discussed our experiences in the food industry, and most of us have worked in similar roles.”
<p“During my teenage years, I worked at a place reminiscent of Happy Burger, called Circle T. Those small, family-owned burger joints evoke a sense of nostalgia and take us back to joyful childhood memories.”
<p“We get to experience Margo's perspective, who certainly has a lot of attitude towards the customers.”
<p“Isaac Gómez, the playwright, beautifully crafted this narrative as a tribute to those who hold such jobs. It neither belittles nor criticizes these roles; rather, it celebrates essential workers—those preparing our meals while others are getting ready for festive gatherings.”
<p“When asked what she hopes audiences will take away from the play, Sanchez responded, “I want them to realize that everyone has a beautiful backstory and that we can trust that our loved ones are always with us. It’s important to continue moving forward. This is a story about resilience and discovering that strength within ourselves.”
Regarding the play’s success, Sanchez stated, “I believe it resonates with many people like me who harbor mixed feelings about Christmas. They seek enjoyable activities during the holidays but with a unique twist. This performance offers a delightful way to spend time with friends, enjoy a drink, and embrace the more cynical aspects of Christmas.”
<p“Additionally, it’s simply a funny and entertaining show,” Sanchez added. “It’s a warm and enjoyable experience for those who find traditional Christmas celebrations to be complex and multifaceted.”
Performances are scheduled from December 3 to 28 (with no show on Christmas Day) at various times, including 7 p.m. from Wednesdays to Fridays and on December 22-23; 1:30 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays; 1:30 p.m. on Sundays; and at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 22 at the Alley Theatre, located at 615 Texas. For further details, call 713-220-5700 or visit alleytheatre.org. Ticket prices range from $45 to $71.
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