about the play

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas

Lou has wrestled with a big ball of tangled Christmas lights for the last time! He is grabbing the sunblock, his Elvis in Paradise album and his wife Carol, and hopping on the Pineapple Express to Hawaii! Escaping New Jersey, the freezing cold, his nutty family and most of all… The Holidays, is exactly what Lou plans to do. However, a freak snowstorm leaves the couple stranded in the airport and their dream of sipping Pina Coladas on the beach is in peril. Will a couple of unexpected characters help restore Lou’s Christmas Spirit in the St. Nick of time?

Production History / Awards

  • 2015 2nd Street Theatre, OR – Sold Out Run
  • 2016 The Tower Theatre, OR
  • 2017 Equity Library Theatre of NYC – Stage Reading
  • 2017 The Little Fish Theatre, CA
  • 2018 The James Downing Theatre, Chicago
  • 2018 The Sunriver Stars Community Theatre, OR
  • 2023 Cascade Theatrical Company, OR
  • 2024 Brunswick Little Theatre, NC
  • 2024 The Phoenix Theatre, WA
  • 2024 ScreenCraft Stage Play Competition Quarter-Finalist
  • 2025 Redlands Footlighters Community Theatre, CA
  • 2025 Boerne Theatre, TX
testimonial

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

“What a delightful confection for the holidays. What starts out as a screwball comedy seamlessly shifts into a magical place of Christmas enchantment. The play is Christmas-silly and Christmas-sentimental. What’s more, it’s true family-fare – appropriate for all ages. Take a break from “A Christmas Carol” and try this instead.”

New Play Exchange

“Night Before has come up with a new version of the holiday hassle, injected with a healthy dose of humor and a fairy tale dusting of surprises.”

Willcall.org

“The Night Before the Night Before Christmas’ brings good cheer in the nick of time.”

The Daily Breeze

“It’s a really interesting concept, and having it mostly take place in an airport gives the script this strange liminal feeling that will work great for that blurred fantasy/reality thing you are going for. The Christmas basically closes in on Lou is quite visceral in the story.”

ScreenCraft

“Cricket Daniel’s play isn’t going to change the world, but if you’re not quite feeling the spirit this holiday season, “The Night Before” can surely get you there. Not only that, it’s incredibly funny. The play is wonderfully written, and Cricket’s history in stand-up comedy is evident in her writing, as it’s replete with one-liners, quick jabs, and hilarious setups with smart punchlines.”

The Sound on Stage

“This play is an amusing and heartwarming addition to this holiday season and will help remind you of the magic of the holidays.”

Shoreline Area News

testimonial

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY?

“This play is an amusing and heartwarming addition to this holiday season and will help remind you of the magic of the holidays.”

Shoreline Area News

"Cricket Daniel’s play isn’t going to change the world, but if you’re not quite feeling the spirit this holiday season, “The Night Before” can surely get you there. Not only that, it’s incredibly funny. The play is wonderfully written, and Cricket’s history in stand-up comedy is evident in her writing, as it’s replete with one-liners, quick jabs, and hilarious setups with smart punchlines."

The Sound on Stage

“It's a really interesting concept, and having it mostly take place in an airport gives the script this strange liminal feeling that will work great for that blurred fantasy/reality thing you are going for. The Christmas basically closes in on Lou is quite visceral in the story.

ScreenCraft

“The Night Before the Night Before Christmas’ brings good cheer in the nick of time.”

The Daily Breeze

“A heartwarming holiday play.”

Broadway World

“Night Before has come up with a new version of the holiday hassle, injected with a healthy dose of humor and a fairy tale dusting of surprises.”

Willcall.org

“What a delightful confection for the holidays. What starts out as a screwball comedy seamlessly shifts into a magical place of Christmas enchantment. The play is Christmas-silly and Christmas-sentimental. What’s more, it’s true family-fare - appropriate for all ages. Take a break from “A Christmas Carol” and try this instead.”

New Play Exchange

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