Silent Theatre Company has a reputation for delivering sharp and chic visual treats year round, and they certainly do not disappoint with their clever holiday homage, “A Charlie Chaplin Christmas.” Though there is minimal dialogue employed to set up this tale of the lovable Tramp and his ragtag, down-on-their-luck crew as they slog through another bleak Christmas, the company stays pretty much true to its name, relying on deft Vaudevillian performance style and a fantastic live band to tell the story. Chaplin is a tough act to mimic, and Marvin Eduardo Quijada as the Tramp is lucky to have such a strong supporting cast. Though Gillian Hastings is especially enamoring as the runaway turned protege, it’s truly an ensemble effort. There are some missteps—at certain points an almost frantic pacing seems to sweep the actors off their feet—and a few gags run on too long, but the overall production is sweetly charming, an ambitious departure from the standard holiday theatre fare. (Valerie Jean Johnson)
At the Chicago Cultural Center’s Studio Theater, 77 East Randolph, (312)744-6630. This production is now closed.
