A Cracker Kransky Christmas

A Cracker Kransky Christmas
By The Kransky Sisters - Mourne, Eve and Dawn Kransky. Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres, Corner of Church and Market St, Parramatta. December 16, 2023.

The Kransky Sisters are back with a side-splitting Holiday Cracker for 2023! A delighted audience headed to Parramatta’s lovely Riverside Theatre on the weekend to catch the trio. There is a loyal following for the ladies, eager to see the latest instalment, and they were not disappointed. As the lights dim, a family slide show begins featuring various road trips and comic moments. 

The set design, complete with tree and vintage decorations, exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the perfect stage for the festivities, and the tone for a night of merriment. Echoes of laughter can be heard as Mourne, Eve, and Dawn (Annie Lee, Christine Johnston and Carolyn Johns) take the stage. 

A Cracker Kransky Christmas is sharp and witty. It is filled with clever wordplay, absurd scenarios, and playful banter, often delightfully silly, with deadpan delivery adding an extra layer of hilarity to their quirky observations and comedic shenanigans. 

The ladies are known for their quirky, sheltered goings-on and musical prowess. The brilliance lies in their ability to seamlessly blend humour, music, and storytelling into one cracker of a performance. They draw the audience into their absurd and charming world, where the most mundane activities become sources of uproarious laughter. Whether recounting bizarre Christmas traditions or sharing anecdotes from their lives, their storytelling keeps the audience engaged and entertained throughout the performance.

The musical component of the show is a standout, with talented musicianship shining through in every note. Hauntingly beautiful renditions of classic Christmas carols or classic tunes from ABBA, AC/DC OR Pink (to name a few), performed on various unconventional instruments, like a kitchen pot, toilet brush, tuba and keyboard, add a whimsy to the festive celebrations. Seamless harmonies and mastery of their instruments inject the show with a healthy dose of offbeat humour. At the same time, physical comedy adds visual gags and slapstick elements that complement their quick-witted humour. From perfectly-timed sight gags to imaginative prop comedy, clever interactions with the audience make each viewer feel like a welcomed guest at their whimsical Christmas gathering. The Kransky Sisters effortlessly weave audience participation into their performance. 

The Kransky Sisters retell their bizarre and absurd Christmas traditions with deadpan delivery and outrageous scenarios, such as decorating the Christmas tree with odd household items, adding a touch of charming eccentricity to the show. The absurdity of these traditions, combined with the trio's witty storytelling, doesn’t fail to elicit laughter from the audience.

The Kransky Sisters' interactions with the audience also result in some of the most memorable comedic moments of the show. Their ability to seamlessly incorporate audience participation into their performance creates spontaneous and laugh-out-loud moments. Whether it's a playful exchange with a member of the audience or an improvised interaction, these off-the-cuff moments add an extra layer to the show. Along with everyone else, I enjoyed the wacky world of the Kransky Sisters. 

A Cracker Kransky Christmas is packed with comedic gifts showcasing the Kransky Sisters' exceptional talent into a side-splitting holiday extravaganza. Prepare to get the kooky Christmas party started and laugh non-stop with the girls from Esk. Stick around to meet and greet the trio after the show and buy random merch. 

Nicole Smith

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