This is not your ordinary run down of the Christmas Story. The Butterfingers Angel is for the whole family. I took my oldest daughter and we both had a great time. One thing you will notice is how a production speaks volumes for the energy that will continue throughout the show. The Butterfingers Angel started as well as ended on a great note. Equally charming, funny, and full of the holiday spirit-add this to your must see show before the end of the year.
What to Expect Before you Go
Uptown Knauer Performing Center is located in West Chester. It’s super easy to get to from Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Parking is limited on the property. There is on street parking as well as their is a well lit lot close by. I parked in the lot and spent less than 8 dollars total. Get to the show about 20-30 minutes before the show to give yourself time to settle, grab a snack, or grab a cocktail to take inside the show. Unlike other theaters Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center’s theater is beautifully open. The chairs also have a drink holder. I loved this option. Bathrooms are located below. So plan to take the steps unless you need other accommodations.
The Christmas Story in The Butterfingers Angel
It takes the traditional story of The Christmas story and turns it on its head. Mixing in elements of modernism with the original story it almost gives the perspective of what we would ask or think if in the same situation. Wouldn’t Mary wonder why she was chosen to have a baby without ever being with a man. Did Mary even want to be married or have a baby? I loved these challenges. For me this is the natural progression of human insight and thought. Although humor is used throughout the retelling of this story it’s also laced with so much truth. The characters are brought to life and go well beyond a child’s production in the traditional sense. For instance I loved how we question Butterfingers the Angel. He too had a mission not just Mary to bring forth life.
Complexity of Joseph
I loved how we were able to really see what Joseph may have been thinking. A man who was slightly older than Mary, not knowing her in the sexual sense but expected to be there, support, and raise a child that was not biologically his. We see Joseph ask questions and wrestle with this expectation in a way that was refreshing. As a PK (preacher’s kid) I would often say Joseph is a better man that most. There are men who gladly raise children that aren’t theirs all of the time. However this major responsibility was bigger than simply coupling of Mary. Not to mention he was doing all of this without even having had a solid relationship with Mary. Building enough intimacy to be caring and step up to the plate is hard for a lot of people.
Beyond Religion in The Butterfingers Angel
I was able to see myself in feeling overwhelmed or even at times underwhelmed. We all experience these very human experiences. The ability to step up to our daily challenges with no rule book is hard. The ability to persevere when all you have is one step ahead. Feeling like we drop the ball daily but still looking to find answers is almost the daily undertaking.
So when you go to see it consider the larger stories that are being brought to you. The ones that speak to your personal situation. My oldest and I talked on the ride home of the takes she took with her. She saw herself in Elise Hudson’s depiction as the Tree. For her the tree wanted to be more but was easily distracted. My teenage daughter talked about how her teenager years are a lot like the Tree. Always growing but wanting to uproot at any given time.
The Production of The Butterfingers Angel
The full title of the show is The Butterfingers Angel, Mary & Joseph, Herold the Nut & The Slaughter of 12 Hit Carols in a Pear Tree. The singing is magnificent in this production. I really enjoyed the numbers greatly.
The production of The Butterfingers Angel is happening from now until December 23rd. It makes for a great family outing and an early Christmas gift too. Also there are amazing drink specials and some shows even have cookies before the showing too. Thank you to Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, Carrie Gorn, and Aversa PR for having me.
Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center is located at 226 N. High Street West Chester PA 19380. Tickets are available now.
