By Richelle Sutton
If you didn’t see it last year, here’s your chance to get your Christmas cheer on with Ogden Musical Theatre’s production of Five Carols for Christmas, playing on Peery’s Egyptian Theatre in Ogden, Utah. The musical story and lyrics were written and directed by Jim Christian, with music and orchestrations by Kenneth Plain. Set squarely in 1954 suburbia, five best friends (who are all conveniently named Carol) prepare for their local Christmas production and they are bound and determined to make it a program that the audience will remember for the rest of their lives. However, perfect plans go awry as the production commences and the Carols uncover the true camaraderie and spirit of Christmas.
After reviewing a separate production last week also directed by Christian, I was excited to see his name again in the program. My expectations were met delightfully with the beautiful musical talents of the five ladies playing the Carols. Stephanie Pugh (Carol Ann), Liz Corona (Miss Q), Mickey Larson (Kitty), Lindsea Garside (Ling Ling), and Kim Tolman (Noyesy) all have beautiful, clear voices that harmonize well together. No matter if the songs were well known Christmas carols like “O, Christmas Tree” or brand-new songs such as “Marvelous Magazines” or “Dress Up Your Shelter”, they were portrayed with professional singing talent and quality. I also loved that these wonderful ladies were always in character no matter the song or circumstance. One of my favorite songs was “Ding-Dong Debacle” because I adored watching how each of these women’s characters reacted to the disaster happening right in front of their eyes. They are a complete joy to watch. I was also in stitches watching both Sean Bishop (Cousin Ray) and Scott Butler (Vice Principal Jensen) commit to their parts whole-heartedly. While they do not hold as many lines as the wonderful main ladies, Bishop and Butler are absolutely hilarious any time they are on stage.
I’ll admit that nothing gets me more excited to watch a show than the stage design. Set designer Silas Stott and set painter Cynthia Klumpp create such a beautiful opening set piece with gorgeous and lively Christmas colors and décor. The living room design is very comfortable and pleasing to the eye, creating a warm atmosphere for the characters to work in and the audience to settle in to. The costumes are also incredibly crafted and look exquisite on each of the actors. Combined with the hair and makeup designs, it is easy to understand the time period of the piece right from the start without it having to be mentioned. David Rees’s lighting design is fun and fits the show well, effortlessly pulling the audience’s focus where it needs to be at all times. I also loved the use of fades and spotlights to enhance a solo piece or augment an ending picture within the songs. And with this being a musical, sound designer Adam McGuire does an impeccable job with the music and sounds, seamlessly working with the actors with their lines and lyrics.
Without a doubt, Five Carols for Christmas presented by Ogden Musical Theatre is a hoot and a holler. The musical, playing at Peery’s Egyptian Theatre in Ogden, Utah, is unbridled fun with a simple and true holiday message easily enjoyed by all ages. Don’t miss your chance to see this fun musical, and maybe add five more Carols to your holiday traditions.
Ogden Musical Theatre presents Five Carols for Christmas, story and lyrics by Jim Christian, music and orchestrations by Kenneth Plain.
Peery’s Egyptian Theatre, 2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
November. 29 – December 2, 2019, 7:30 PM or 8:00 PM, Saturday Matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $15-$20
Ogden Musical Theatre Webpage
Peery’s Egyptian Theatre Webpage
Ogden Musical Theatre Facebook Page
Five Carols for Christmas Event Page
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