Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Stadium Theatre’s holiday show this year is the new musical production of “A Christmas Carol.” This version of this well known holiday tale contains special flying effects, snow and a full 9 piece orchestra. This version was written by John Popa who also wrote the witty lyrics with music written by Steve Parsons. “A Christmas Carol” is a timeless story that still resonates with people of all ages and carries a message that is as genuine and poignant now as it was when it was first written back in 1843.
This splendid musical version captures the true spirit and meaning of the holiday season for one and all. Director William Deschenes directs this year’s presentation of the audience’s favorite holiday show with splendid musical direction by Britney Lyn. The well known tale of curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come who hope to change his destiny and to save his soul. Audiences are taken on a strange and magical journey with Scrooge that helps him regain his exuberance for the true meaning of Christmas once more. The Stadium Theatre once again brings this splendid heartwarming tale to audiences this year. William and his cast and crew delivers the goods with audiences leaping to their feet at the curtain call. They are moved to laughter and tears at all the appropriate moments. Bravo on a job well done!
The special effects are dazzling and amazing with Marley, Scrooge, Christmas Past and Christmas Yet to Come flying. Jennifer Webb choreographs it and also plays, Christmas Future, too. She creates high energy dances that captivate the audience. William has an adept eye for both comic and dramatic situations which brings out the best in his 36 member cast. Although there are many comic moments in the show, it is the pathos that captures your heart during the Christmas season, tugging on your heartstrings and bringing tears to your eyes when they happen. This is the dynamite version of “A Christmas Carol” which should be seen by audiences of all ages. Musical director, Brittany Dyer conducts a magnificent nine piece orchestra and taught the talented cast the lush and beautiful harmonies of these Christmas with the choral effect being superb. Jason Denton delivers a tour-de-force performance as this iconic character. He makes the part fresh and new. Jason mines each layer of this character fabulously from start to finish. His comic moments include yelling at his nephew, Fred, his employee, Bob Cratchit, the almsmen and the carolers to shut up when they start to sing in his office. However it is the dramatic moments that will enthrall you thoroughly which include Fan’s death, the break up with Belle, the astonishing transformation sequence and most definitely the death of Tiny Tim with strong performances from the Cratchit family. These segments make you cry no matter how many times you have seen this version of the show whether it be your first time. His majestic voice soars in “Scrooge’s Song” where he displays his miserly ways as well as in his repentance number “Scrooge’s Epiphany” which shows his transformation into a better person at last. Jason makes you believe in Scrooge’s reformation and embodies this character magnificently.
Mike Myers is frightening as Jacob Marley as he flies overhead. Marley hovers over the audience while warning Scrooge to change his ways. His song “Look at these Chains” is excellently rendered. The flying effects are spectacular, too. Mike also plays Old Joe and does another great song called “We Build Ourselves Up.” The three ghosts are lead by Akaylah Paturzzio as Christmas Past and she displays her voice in her opening number “Walk with Me.” She chides Scrooge during the Fan segment and the Fezziwig scene when he used to enjoy Christmas. Mia Remeika plays Fan and Zachary Simpkins plays Boy Scrooge where we learn Fan died in childbirth. Jouseph Santiago plays Young Scrooge while Kate Davis plays Belle. They shine in their roles especially the breakup segment.
Anthony Rinaldi returns to the Stadium this time as Christmas Present. Anthony has a strong tenor voice which soars in “Beat’s the Dickens Out of Me” and in “Forever.” Jennifer Webb also plays Christmas Yet to Come and transforms herself into a scary ghost who helps Scrooge during the transformation scene. The best song in the show is sung by Donna Zurro Gorham as the Rogue Woman. It’s called “Shine a Light on Me” and the harmony of the chorus is fabulous in it. She also plays Mrs. Fezziwig with Tom Lavallee as the jolly Mr. Fezziwig. Their big song and dance number is “Nothing Else Like Christmas.”
Jouseph also plays Fred, Scrooge’s nephew and displays his voice with Kate Davis who also plays Elizabeth and has a strong voice, too. Their song is “Yes and No” He also has some comic moments in the opening when he encourages the young carolers to annoy his cantankerous uncle and in the present when he describes his uncle’s bad behavior to their party guests.The Cratchit family shine in their roles. Zack Boulay and Stephanie Rose Witz play Bob and Mrs. Cratchit. They handle their comic and dramatic moments splendidly. His comic moments take place at the start of the show, the first family scene. Zach’s best dramatic moment occurs with Tiny Tim’s death scene when he tries to boost his family’s spirits and breaks down in tears. Zach and Stephanie sing “The Cratchits” song and he sings the poignant “Next Christmas” number, too. Blond haired Matthew who is 10 years old plays Tiny Tim excellently. He is a good actor at an early age. He sings “A Child Alone” which tugs at your heartstrings with Bob Cratchitt. All the children also display strong acting chops both comic and dramatic in the family scenes. So for a fantasticproduction of this well known tale, be sure to catch “A Christmas Carol, A Musical” right here at Stadium Theatre before Scrooge and his cronies fly out of town for good. It will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit for people of all ages. Tell them Tony sent you.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL (14 to 23 December)
Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Woonsocket, RI
1(401)762-4545 or www.stadiumtheatre.com
