By Pamela Gee
Make your way to Sky View High School‘s theater auditorium in Cache Valley for the Four Seasons Theatre Company production of A Christmas Carol. Wondrous production values reign in this community theater company production, ranging from lighting and scenic elements to costumes and props in a cohesive antiqued color scheme which brings to life the 1800s streets of London. The full cast of Dickens classic Christmas carolers and townspeople sing and dance this heartwarming story. This production will draw audiences in, warm families’ hearts, and prepare everyone for an introspective and inspired Christmas season.
When Charles Dickens published his story, A Christmas Carol, on December 19, 1843, it not only become an instant bestseller, but soon was established as a traditional holiday story. Dickens’ desire was to instill in his readers a propensity to view others’ condition with compassion and treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and charity every day. This production helps audiences celebrate the Christmas season with the focused message: our abundance and charity will overcome “want” and “ignorance” and once we do, we will feel the need to say, “God bless us, everyone!”
The traditional, yet modern, feel of the musical version by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens brings particular light to this message through song and dance. The added touch by the Four Seasons’ creative and artistic team’s framing brings a magical play-within-a-play feel. It lends a timeless juxtaposition of modern elements (including a 1940s-style tap number) alongside quintessential Dickens period topics, dress and culture. This production unfolds into more vibrant tones and timeless period elements in magical moments. It is delightful to see performers ranging in all ages, shapes, sizes, abilities, and passions. The people of London are framed inside a proscenium, welcoming the audience into the streets before the London bridge and Big Ben, while buildings on either side of the stage not only give the appearance of the slim streets, but allow easy scenic transitions as each slides in and out and takes the audience to different locations throughout the story.
The pace and delight of the performance lends to the holiday atmosphere as it is vibrant and energetic and moves forward in purpose. Intermission included, the show is under two hours. The first act zooms by with joy and grace as the ensemble sings and dances through the streets of London and all the important and consequential characters in Ebenezer Scrooge’s (Scott Hendricks) circumstances are introduced.
Hendricks as Scrooge is very gentlemanly and a bit understated in his views, but is nevertheless impactful in his choices. Uncomfortably and unaccustomed to self-reflection, he first stumbles on the invitation to change early on, even before meeting the ghost of his old partner or the apparitions yet to come. The sense of community and holiday goodwill and cheer during numbers such as “Hear the Bells” and “Jolly Good Time” are rebuffed by Scrooge as everyone swirls about him, understanding the true meaning of Christmas and daily charity. Hendricks’ singing voice is when his characterization shines. Though he subtly rebukes and rebuffs these messages, he is a bit off-kilter when he arrives at his own front door, where he is greeted by its very real transformation into Jacob Marley (Josh Hopkins), his long-deceased business partner. Marley, played theatrically and engagingly by Hopkins, informs Scrooge of three ghosts who will be arriving throughout the night at certain appointed hours.
The Ghost of Christmas Past (Brookie Anderson), Ghost of Christmas Present (Kody Rash), and Ghost of Christmas Future (Jordan Ames) do arrive and most convincingly bring lessons learned and long-forgotten or missed into Scrooge’s mind and provide opportunities for change.
Scrooge realizes his many mistakes and makes commitments along the way as he sees and feels family moments from the past. Boy Scrooge (Ayden Kofeod) sings from the heart the melody his mother (Rory Anderson) comforts him with as his father is taken to pauper’s prison, It reminds Boy Scrooge of God’s blessings for everyone when there’s “A Place Called Home.” This theme is repeated to his betrothed, Emily (Jessica Lewis) with Young Scrooge (John McVey). A delightful meeting of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig (Leigh Hopkins and Ashley Hodges) as they and the ensemble liven up the stage in “Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball.” Scrooge still tries to forget the lesson reminders until each ghost has met with him and he realizes what a difference he personally can make and then proceeds to do it.
The performers are passionate, committed and enjoyable to watch as an ensemble and as individuals. Other notable performances come from Bob and Martha Cratchit (Walker McKenna and Beanna Cook), and a darling Tiny Tim (Phippin Tingey and Adam Bloomberg on alternating performances) as the Cratchit family wins Scrooge’s heart.
The stage direction and choreography by AnnAlyse Chidster lends heart and a sense of community accomplishment that enhances the story created by Dickens so long ago. The talented production team comprises Set Designers Dan Rash and Nathan Allen, Lighting Designer Chase Cook, and Costume Designers Kody and Kim Rash.
This engaging production is running until December 14, so hurry to get tickets before time runs out. This is a wonderful way for the whole family to relearn how to honor Christmas in their hearts along with Scrooge.
A Christmas Carol is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Four Seasons Theatre Company Presents a Christmas Carol, by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens.
Sky View High School, 520 South 250 East, Smithfield, Utah 84335.
Dec 6-14, 2019, 7:00 PM, matinee at 1 PM. See website for details.
Tickets: $9-14
Contact: 435-535-1432
www.fourseasonstheatre.org
Four Seasons Theatre Company Facebook Page
A Christmas Carol Facebook Event
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