“A Christmas Carol” Returns to Trinity Rep

November 1, 2023November 17, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Cast of “A Christmas Carol” at Trinity Rep. Photos by Mark Turek.

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Trinity Repertory Company ushers the holiday season in with their presentation of their 47th production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard Cumming. This is Trinity’s third show of its 60th season. This show’s underlying themes of charity, forbearance, and benevolence are universal. They are equally relevant to people of all religions and backgrounds, especially now with the upcoming 2024 election being upended by the former, four times indicted and arrested, as well as twice impeached ex-president. Also, because of his impending and ongoing trials about the Insurrection of the Capital on January 6th, of the stolen top-secret documents and being found guilty of assault and defamation as well as being found guilty of fraud and the still contentious climate of this country and disorder in the congress about the debt ceiling limit. “A Christmas Carol” is about the curmudgeonly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Marley, Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come who hope to change his destiny and save his soul to ultimately discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Hanover Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ Thoroughly Embodies the Spirit of Timeless Classic

December 18, 2022 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Cast of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Hanover Theatre in Worcester

by Mike Hoban

With so many different takes on the iconic Dickens holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol” over the years – from the 1938 Alistair Sim movie to the surprisingly accurate 1962 Mr. Magoo cartoon to the well-intentioned but heavy-handed progressive versions now appearing on some New England stages – the production now underway at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester is a welcome return to the original story, but one that also reflects the diversity of today’s society and audiences. Faithfully adapted by director Troy Siebels, this version brings us back to the streets of Victorian England, where income inequality and the attitudes of the moneyed class towards the working poor will look all too familiar.

North Shore’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ Beautifully Blends Theatre of the Past, Present and Future

December 8, 2022 michaelhoban2 Comments

The cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at North Shore Music Theatre. Photos©David Costa Photography

‘A Christmas Carol.’ Adapted for the stage from the Charles Dickens novella by Jon Kimbell. Direction and Choreography by Kevin P. Hill. Music Direction by Milton Granger. Original Scenic Design by Howard C. Jones. Costume Coordination/Additional Costume Design by Kelly Baker. Lighting Design by Jack Mehler. Sound Design by Leon Rothenberg. Original Wig and Hair Design by Gerard Kelly. Additional Wig Design by Kat Shanahan. Projection Design by Nick Wass. Presented by North Shore Music Theatre, through December 23.

by Linda Chin

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the heartwarming image of a young boy (Tiny Tim) holding a little cane above his head sitting on his father’s shoulder (Bob Cratchit) – joy on the pair’s faces undiminished by their well-worn winter clothing and the son’s disability – has been immortalized in 19^th century lithographs and 3-D porcelain (and plastic) figurines alike. With beautiful costumes, traditional songs, amazing acrobatics, special effects, and an outstanding cast and orchestra bringing the classic story and its iconic images to life, NSMT’s A Christmas Carol is the perfect show for people of all generations to continue – or begin – an annual holiday tradition. First presented in 1989, director and choreographer Kevin P. Hill keeps the show fresh by retaining the traditional elements and changing the staging/choreography, special effects, and cast members who outgrow their roles – like Tiny Tim. NSMT’s 2022 production of A Christmas Carol beautifully blends theatre of the past, present and what’s ‘yet to come.’

Trinity Rep’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ Updates Holiday Classic

November 1, 2022November 14, 2022 michaelhobanLeave a comment

by Tony Annicone

Trinity Repertory Company ushers the holiday season in with their live yearly presentation of their 46th production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard Cumming. This is Trinity’s third show of its 59th season and is performed in 90 minutes with no intermission. This show’s underlying themes of charity, forbearance and benevolence are universal and are equally relevant to people of all religions and backgrounds especially now after the Big Lie Theory of the 2020 election is still being promoted by the former, twice impeached ex-President, the important hearings about the Insurrection of the Capital on January 6th with fingers crossed for a conclusive outcome and the still contentious climate of this country observed in the recent 2022 midterm election. This familiar tale is about the curmudgeonly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Marley, Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come who hope to change in this version her destiny and save her soul to ultimately to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Director Aileen Wen McGroody directs this show for the first time. She creates a huge encompassing tale which needs more focus at times in telling of this Christmas tale. McGroody explores bigotry, gay marriage, people of different cultures and economic standings. The set is starker than in years past and doesn’t come into full color until Christmas Present appears and near the very end of the show. The process of Scrooge finding a way to reenter a world again that is what “A Christmas Carol is all about and she brings the cast, orchestra onstage to witness Scrooge’s reconciliation with her nephew, Fred which is one of the most poignant moments of the evening. Aileen brings the comic moments to the forefront this year and uses a great deal of musical numbers to convey the story. Musical director Andrew Smithson brings out the best in the cast for their many songs, plays lead keyboards and conducts a 6 piece orchestra. Choreographer Shura Baryshnikov creates the dances for the show. The enthusiastic audience thoroughly enjoy the show with thunderous applause at curtain call.

NSMT’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ Delivers a Hopeful Holiday Extravaganza

December 8, 2021 michaelhobanLeave a comment

David Coffee (Ebenezer Scrooge) and Alex Puette (Jacob Marley) in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at North Shore Music Theatre – Dec 2-23. Photos by Paul Lyden

By Mike Hoban

‘A Christmas Carol: A Musical Ghost Story’ – Adapted by Jon Kimbell. Based on the Novella by Charles Dickens; Director/Choreographer, Kevin P. Hill; Music Director, Milton Granger. Presented by the North Shore Music Theatre, Dunham Road, Beverly through December 23^rd

Following a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the North Shore Music Theatre returns with its own special spin on the Christmas Carol holiday classic with the 30^th anniversary presentation of A Christmas Carol: A Musical Ghost Story – and delivers the heartwarming tale of redemption with a terrific score along with a dose of pyrotechnics. The NSMT adaptation retains much of the dialogue and storyline of the original, as cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge is transformed into a loving and fully realized human being with the help of some friendly (and frightening) spirits showing him the way.

Central Square Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ Warmly Stirs Memories

December 12, 2019 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Review by James Wilkinson

‘A Christmas Carol’ – Based on the novel by Charles Dickens. Adapted and Directed by Debra Wise. Scenic Designer: David Fichter. Costume Design: Leslie Held. Costume & Properties Designer: Elizabeth Rocha. Lighting Designer: John Malinowski. Sound Designer: Mark Bruckner. Dialect Design: Charles Linshaw. Choreographer: Susan Dibble. Presented by Central Square Theatre at 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge through December 29, 2019

I suspect that there are some theater critics who approach the holiday season with a higher than usual sense of dread, (I mean, don’t we all have some degree of dread at this time of year?). The sunsets arrive earlier, the cold weather streams in, and all of the theaters whip out their annual holiday show for another go-around. The source of dread isn’t the prospect of watching these productions, (which are often delightful); it’s the idea of trying to come up with something new to say about a show that you’ve seen any number of times before and will see any number of times again. (For the record, this is my first time reviewing a production of A Christmas Carol, but seeing as I have no plans of checking out anytime soon, I know it’ll be far from the last.) Add in the additional hurdle that the sources for so many of the holiday theater shows are fairly well ingrained in our collective pop culture. When everyone goes in already knowing the story, beats, and even individual lines, just what is a critic supposed to do?

NSMT’s “A Christmas Carol” Delights

December 10, 2019 michaelhobanLeave a comment

David Coffee (Ebenezer Scrooge) and Alex Puette (Jacob Marley) in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at North Shore Music Theatre – Dec 6-22. Photo©Paul Lyden

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre’s holiday show again this year is the 29th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol, A Musical Ghost Story which is an annual favorite. This version of this well-known holiday tale was written by former NSMT artistic director, Jon Kimball which he adapted back in 1989. As Jon explains “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. David Coffee returns in triumph for his 26th time of playing Scrooge. Audiences have been lucky once more this season by seeing David in “Freaky Friday” and as always are beyond thrilled that he is returning to this iconic role once again. This show marks David’s 60th production at NSMT. Current artistic director Kevin Hill directs this year’s presentation of its favorite holiday show once again and makes it fresh and new with new dances, clever new ad libs and more comic moments.

Trinity Rep’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ More Theatrics Than Theater

November 29, 2019 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Ghost of Christmas Future (Taavon Gamble) visits Scrooge (Jude Sandy) in Trinity Rep’s ‘A christmas Carol. Photos by Mark Turek

Reviewed by Shelley A. Sackett

‘A Christmas Carol’ – by Charles Dickens. Original Music by Richard Cumming; Directed by Kate Bergstrom; Music Direction by Michael Rice; Choreography by Taavon Gamble; Set Design by Patrick Lynch; Costume Design by Olivera Gajic; Lighting Design by Barbara Samuels; Sound Design by Broken Chord. Presented by Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St., Providence through December 29.

Trinity Repertory Company’s 2019 musical version of A Christmas Carol starts out promisingly. Produced in the Elizabeth and Malcolm Chace Theater, Director Kate Bergstrom makes use of that venue’s intimate theater-in-the-round configuration by staging pockets of singing performers above every seat section. The pageantry of a live orchestra, quality-voiced actors in Dickensian-era costumes, and an excellent sound system is enough to enrapture a toe-tapping audience. Unfortunately, uneven performances and an overreliance on gimmicky, ostentatious staging trickery will soon burst that magical bubble.