By Samuel Barber
A Christmas Carol, based on the novella by Charles Dickens opens at the Angelus Theater in Spanish Fork and it’s great. Director Mark Shipley started directing productions in Utah a few years ago. However, he was a director for many years in California, and has also directed a couple shows in Hawaii. This is the third year he has directed A Christmas Carol at the Angelus Theater in Spanish Fork. I spoke with Shipley after the performance and asked him about his productions. I am sad to say that he said this might be his last one, or his swan song as he called it. While he would love to see these productions continue at the Angelus, he is 81 and feels that it is time to pass the legacy onto his children. This legacy started when Shipley learned how to put on family friendly productions from the Hales (of the Hale Theater) while in California. Many of his family are already involved in the production of the shows. I would very much like to see another one by them, so hopefully the transition comes about.
The Christmas season is a time of many things, but especially stories that try to help us remember the true meaning of Christmas. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is slightly different as it is focused more on the importance realizing our errors and changing for the better now. I have seen many different productions of A Christmas Carol, and what I liked about this one versus the others is its simplicity. The actors do a wonderful job illustrating the story while making the characters come to life. In most shows, main character miserly Scrooge and the three ghosts act only as spectators watching and learning the needed lessons from the scenes they see. However, in this version at the Angelus, they are much more involved in what is going on. Also, the special effects are kept to a minimum and I think I preferred it that way, as it left my attention free to focus on the characters instead of the scenery.
Scrooge is played by Casey Lee. I pride myself on my impersonation of an “elderly” man, but Lee’s takes the cake. He stumbles, shuffles, groans, hunches, and shakes like a sick old man in his late 70’s. I honestly wasn’t sure if it was an act until I said hello to him after the show. I enjoyed all his interactions with the other characters, especially when he was with the Spirit of Christmas Present, played by Ben Wheeler. You could tell that the two of them were having fun, and that made it all the more enjoyable as an audience member.
Gabe Lee, Casey Lee’s brother, plays Bob Cratchit. His manner is very gentle and mild, and it is nice to see him being supportive of his humbug of a boss even though his family all have ill feelings toward crabby Scrooge. There is plenty of singing from carolers during the play, but he is the only one who sings a solo. He sings “Oh Holy Night,” and does a wonderful job.
The story wouldn’t be a story without the four ghosts. Michael Roberts is Jacob Marley. He has a marvelous haunting warble to his words, but there were a few times where I swear he sung a word or two. For me personally I like the warble best. Autumn Redd (The Ghost of Christmas Present), Wheeler (The Ghost of Christmas Present), and Logan Wheeler (The Ghost of Christmas Future) are all great as Scrooge’s worst nightmare—pun intended. I really like the twist they have with Redd’s character, but I won’t spoil it here.
The whole cast is wonderful. They are excellent with their lines, and all of them appear relaxed on stage, even the little kids. And the little kids, especially Ellie Hall who plays Tiny Tim and the Young Ebenezer are adorable. Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, played by Dave Chapa and Tannie Shipley Hjorth are a really cute couple that made me smile. All the people I spoke with in the cast are pleasant and inviting. There were a couple of moments during the play, such as when Scrooge was seeing himself as a little boy, where I felt a strong connection with the characters. There is also a little audience participation, and at the ending after bows the cast invites the audiences to sing a verse of “Joy to the World.” I left the theater feeling happy.
The backstage crew consists of a few of Director Shipley’s family members: the Assistant Director Emersyn Wheeler, and Angela Adamson Shipley who is charge of Tech. Angela also has a small part as the washwoman who steals all of Scrooge’s clothes when he dies. She has a great cackle.
The set up of the theater is very nice. It only has rows extending out from center stage. Most of them are at floor level, but the stage is raised so visibility isn’t hindered by the people sitting in front of you. I sat in the back and had an easy time hearing, so I would say that all the seats are just fine. The director told me that they have more seats they can add in, so if it is that you aren’t one of the first 126 people to enter the building, don’t worry. They will do what they can to make sure that you can a chance to watch the show. Parking is plentiful too. You can park in front of the theater, or in the parking area behind the buildings. Just go around the corner and you will see the turn in from the road.
The past two years the audience had been a little light the first couple of shows but by the last few shows it is usually packed, so don’t wait to see A Christmas Carol at the Angelus Theater in Spanish Fork. Click on the website and book your tickets now before you miss your chance to watch the last show directed by the great Mark Shipley. Who knows, if enough people come maybe we can convince him not to retire just yet.
The Angelus Theatre presents A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens.
Angelus Theatre, 165 North Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Fri Nov 30, Dec 1, 3, 7-8, 10, 14-15, 17, 21-22, 2018 7:30 PM Mon, Fri-Sat
Tickets: Adults: $12, Students/Seniors: $10, Family pass on Mondays (up to six individuals): $35
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Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at Angelus Theatre
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