2 YULE PLAYS OFFER SATISFYING OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES

Two Christmas-themed plays in the "community theater" category provide alternatives for families in search of a family outing during the holidays. They are "The Christmas Stranger" and Jack Lamb-son's new "Boilerman: A Christmas Story."

While both productions could use some fine-tuning in their scripts (the dialogue in "Christmas Stranger" falls occasionally into the "too cute" trap, while "Boilerman" could be improved with a more dramatic final resolution), the two shows also have many pleasant moments and are, ultimately, satisfying family entertainment.And both contain solid messages about the importance of love, understanding and traditions at Christmastime.

BOILERMAN: A CHRISTMAS STORY, Vine Street Theater, 184 E. Vine St., Murray (about 4950 South), directed by Dave Huber, written by Jack Lambson; continues Dec. 22 and 27-30 at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information or reservations, call 269-8080. All seats $6. May be extended into January. Running time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Fred Miller is widowed, childless, lonely, guilt-ridden and self-absorbed. The elementary school custodian - nicknamed Boilerman by kids in the school - is content with his private space in the workshop, where he can talk to himself while throwing darts.

He rebuffs pupil Sally when she brings him a homemade Christmas card and is equally abrupt when Miss Wilson offers him a plate of chocolate chip cookies and when Mr. Pembroke, the principal, invites him to dinner.

Then "Boilerman" shifts into an intriguing "fantasy" mode and Miller, performed superbly by Rodney Johnston, suddenly finds himself in the middle of a contest between "Hope" and "Despair," being adjudicated by wise old Father Time.

Through it all, Roger Lambson (Randal Clark on alternating nights), portrays a character known only as Saxophone . . . with the soulful sounds of the sax acting as Miller's musical conscience.

The cast, directed by Dave Huber, included Toni Schmitt, James Platt and Shannon Sipe in multiple roles.

All were very good, especially Johnston as the angry custodian, Darin Hunt as the cocky Despair, Kimberly Duke as the everoptimistic Hope (the only thing missing in her attire was a pair of rose-colored glasses), and Howard Kempton as kindly Father Time.

Another plus: The old pews have been replaced with former Salt Palace seats. - Ivan M. Lincoln