By Katie Flaniken
I’ve seen many delightful renditions of A Christmas Carol throughout my life. Scrooge, The Muppets, even one with Mickey Mouse. Vernal Theatre: LIVE’s production of this beloved Christmas classic shines with the greatest.
A Christmas Carol is based on the novella written by the remarkable Charles Dickens. This wonderful story features an elderly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. Even on Christmas Eve, this uncharitable fellow can’t be bothered to share even a little from his hoards of money, and especially can’t be counted on to show any kindness to his fellow men.
That evening, he is visited by four ghosts, beginning with his old partner Jacob Marley. Marley warns Scrooge of the fate he is creating for himself with his stingy behavior and that three ghosts will visit him in the night: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. They take Scrooge on an exciting ride through his whole life, and he begins to see the error of his ways.
The list of incredible actors who have portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge is a long one. Alastair Sim, Michael Caine, Albert Finney, and so many more come to mind. Vernal Theatre: LIVE’s Joel Benedicto must now be added to that list, if only for the power of his voice alone. His singing is angelic and brings a power to the character that was phenomenal. He is great at portraying the above-it-all grump, the scared, cowering old man, the broken-hearted fool, and my favorite, the repentant, joyful character he becomes at the end. The transformation is written on his wrinkled face and it is fun to watch.
The ghosts are great as well. Marley, played by Kindon Helco, has some incredible physicality in his character, even doing a back flip on stage. Emma Gardiner’s Ghost of Christmas Past is perfectly spritely, and Megan Pearson is fearsome and breathtaking as the Ghost of Christmas Future. The Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Mike Sisto, is my favorite of them all. His laughter is contagious, and he is a delight from the moment he steps on stage.
This production of A Christmas Carol touts Vernal Theatre: LIVE’s largest cast with an amazing 45 actors. Each member of the cast is talented, engaging, and a joy to watch. Several of the numbers still ring in my mind as I write this review. I adored the fun of “Mr. Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball,” and Mrs. Fezziwig, played by Danicia Christensen, has such beautiful singing that I could listen to all evening. The true star of the scene award goes to Jen Curtis as Granny Chuzzlewit for her humor and comedic timing. She truly seals the scene. I also loved the dancing, eerie ghosts of “Link by Link,” and the lovely chemistry and singing in “A Place Called Home.”
The adults in this production of A Christmas Carol are incredibly talented, but an ovation needs to be given for the amazing children that join this company. Not only are they adorable and talented, they thrive on the stage. It is fabulous to see so many young faces giving It all they have for the audience, and they wowed this reviewer. Especially Sam Sorenson as Tiny Tim. His voice is lovely, his accent is spot on, and he simply brings a sweet truth to the character.
Daniel Wells as his father, Bob Cratchit, also sells his part really well. There is genuine love in his eyes for Tiny Tim, and all others on the stage, which is something a character like Cratchit needs.
I need to give a round of applause to Trisha Sorenson for her work on costumes. Scrooge looks sublime, the period is portrayed so well, and my hat is off for the Jacob Marley costume. It was my favorite of the night! Tonya Merrell as makeup director added the perfect finishing touches to make the actors look even more at home in their costumes.
The simple, beautiful set showcases the show wonderfully well, and the lighting design by Dora Watkins is fantastic. The set draws you in from the moment you walk through the door with the help of the incredible musical quartet that provides all the live instrumental music for the show. Karilynne Pearson is the musical director and is accompanied by McKenzie Bigler, Markay Anderson, and Makayla Anderson. With Daniel Jackson in charge of sound, the show wows with both instrumentals and vocals.
I am awed by the direction done by Nashelle Jackson. To take such a large cast, including children, and create such a spectacular, well-rounded, and meaningful show in less than two months is astonishing to me. Great job.
A Christmas Carol runs only 90 minutes and is performed in a single act. I highly recommend this production for families. It is good, clean entertainment, and a great opportunity for your loved ones to spend time together this holiday season. Vernal Theatre: LIVE’s production will have you laughing, reminiscing, and will leave you feeling uplifted. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this Christmas classic.
Vernal Theatre: LIVE presents A Christmas Carol. Book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Alan Menken, Based on the Novella by Charles Dickens.
Vernal Theatre: LIVE, 40 E. Main St. Vernal, UT 84078
December 17-22, 2018 7:00 PM, December 22, 2018 Matinee 2:00 PM. Doors open at 6:30 PM (1:30 PM for matinee)
Tickets: $8-10 (With a $1.00 fee when purchasing at the door)
Contact: 435-219-2987
Vernal Theatre: LIVE Facebook Page
A Christmas Carol Facebook Event
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