 |
| Photo by ICPixx |
This is the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, an angry, miserly man who is mean to everyone and lives a life completely devoid of cheer. He is visited by three ghosts who remind him of his past, show him the present he has blind to, and finally suggest a sad future. Through it all, Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas.
The Christmas cheer began before we entered the theatre as a number of the actors sang Christmas carols in the lobby. Both my daughter and I appreciated the familiar Christmas songs and judging by the merry eyes and smiling faces all around us, we weren’t the only ones.
Michael Blake’s set was simple and perfect, with multiple levels that director Elizabeth Tracey used to excellent effect. Quick scene changes done by the cast and usually accompanied by music or action kept the play moving between scenes. However, one criticism I have is that there were many times when the pacing lagged during the scenes. Hopefully, that can be attributed to opening night jitters.
One aspect I really enjoyed in this show was the music. While not a musical in normal sense of the word, this production took every opportunity to incorporate some entertaining melodies into the play. A lively dance in the middle of the show was also wonderful to watch. Music Director Elisabeth Ross and Dance Coach Barbara Zillis did an excellent job adding these touches to the show.
Scott Strode was excellent as Scrooge. He was perfectly believable as the cantankerous miser and watching his transformation at the end of the play was a wonderful pay off for the audience. Strode also did an excellent job with the humor throughout the show. Kudos to director Tracey for bringing out those moments.
The company was a talented one from the oldest to youngest actors. Steve Rosse and Jean Grewe were particularly fun to watch as the lively Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig. All of the Cratchit kids (Jesse Schuerer, Nolan Bertelli, Carson Slezak, Abby and Mady Nachtman) were great, too, and with their parents (Dawn Slezak and Mark Tracey) created a believable and happy family. Special props to Robert Kemp as Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, who livened up the show every time he was on stage.
Some of the most affecting scenes were during Scrooge’s journey into the past. Jessica Murillo as the Ghost of Christmas Past possessed a sadness that allowed us to begin to feel for Scrooge… perhaps he was worth saving after all. And then both Andy Stewart and Michael Penick, who played Scrooge as a boy and young man respectively, gave the sort of powerful performances so necessary for the audience to believe Scrooge’s final transformation. While it was hard to care for old Scrooge, Stewart’s boy Scrooge was so heartfelt, we were immediately invested in him. And when Penick’s young man Scrooge is faced with the path that will doom him to the sad present we know so well, we are desperately hoping he’ll make the right choice this time. Stewart and Penick’s roles are crucial to making the play work and both actors were excellent.
Finally, I have to mention my daughter’s favorite actor in the show. Brett Borden played Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s business partner returned from the dead to warn Scrooge of the terrible path he is following. Marley ascends from Hell into Scrooge’s living room, with lights and fog that were beautifully done. Borden relishes every haunted moment of the ghostly role and it’s a gripping performance that immediately catapults us into the otherworldly aspects of the show.
If you’re looking for a show to take the family to this holiday season, I highly recommend City Circle’s A Christmas Carol. It’s fun, funny, filled with beautiful music and quite simply a touching story that will warm your heart. Don’t miss it!
No comments:
Post a Comment