The Boston Playwrights’ Theatre and Boston Children’s Theatre have joined forces this month to present the warm, nostalgic, little jewel, A Child’s Christmas in Wales.  Dylan Thomas’ touching tribute to the holiday spirit of his youth is enchantingly captured and lovingly celebrated by this delightful cast.

Part holiday story, part salutation to a beloved aunt, A Child’s Christmas in Wales delivers the morality of a seasonal tale with the sophisticated execution of a poet.  His turn-of-phrase and treatment of his memories steer the story away from the cliché and set it in a world of tenderness and reminiscence that we can all relate to. This treatment was adapted for the stage by Burgess Clark, the Artist Director of Boston Children’s Theatre, and he did it wonderfully. Scenic Design by Anthony Phelps, Lighting Design by Dale Placek and Costume Design by Rachel Padula Shufelt work in perfect harmony to draw the audience into the preciously small world of Thomas’ 1923 childhood home.

Stephen Libby is captivating as older Dylan Thomas. Like the ghost of Christmas past, he embodies the essence of a beloved literary genius perfectly.  He infuses each line with passion and whimsy, and looks so startlingly similar to Adam Freeman who plays his 9-year old manifestation, that you just don’t question that young Thomas is truly looking into a mirror of his future.  Freeman is also a delight to watch.  Expressive and engaging, he charmed the audience time and time again with his combination of sensitive interactions and child-like glee.  Flanked by his adorable sister, Nancy, played sophisticatedly by Linnea Schulz, and his childhood friend Jack, played by Coleman Hirschberg, there is just no question that these talented young actors steal the show.  Freeman, Schulz, and Hirschberg must be commended for their excellent vocal work- their accents were spot on (Dialect Coach, Christine Hamel should be proud), and their work with period clothing and movement was wonderful.  All three were consummate professionals on the stage.

The adult cast complimented these talented children perfectly, from bumbling Father (Steven Gagliastro), to boisterous, drunken, Auntie Bessie (Mary Callanan).  Dylan Thomas himself would have been enraptured with Meagan Hawkes’ portrayal of his beloved Auntie Dosie. She brought me to tears at the conclusion of the show, not through any grand gesture, but through the quiet expression of love for her young nephew. What a lovely way to pay homage to the loved-ones that Thomas held so dear, as to appoint such a dynamic, nuanced troupe to embody each character.  They were absolutely fabulous.

A Child’s Christmas in Wales is the perfect show to take your children to, as the show, which provides a comfortable fifteen-minute intermission, is only a bit longer than 90 minutes total.  It would also be a wonderful way to top off a day of holiday shopping in the city.  We’re so lucky here in Boston to have so many non-traditional holiday offerings to supplement the classics, and A Child’s Christmas in Wales tops the list.

Auntie Dosie (Meagan Hawkes) and Young Dylan (Adam Freeman) share a Christmas dance.