By Megan Holley
Desert Star Playhouse in Murray, Utah is a family-friendly dinner theatre and its current A Christmas Carol, Scrooged Again will keep everyone laughing all night long. They are known for having delicious popcorn (which is free) and having the audience participate in the performances by booing the villains and cheering on the heroes. At the end of every performance, the cast performs an Olio that is themed to the show. For this holiday performance, it is the “Ring In the Holidays Olio”, featuring Christmas carols, hilarious videos full of Utah jokes, and celebrating audience members’ birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Scott Holman brilliantly directs this comedic musical; and has adapted it to make it more of “A Holly Jolly Christmas” tale.
A Christmas Carol, Scrooged Again begins after the original Christmas Carol ends. Ebeneezer Scrooge (Lee Daily, Rick Miller) is very loving and happy, he gives Tiny Tim (Tynan Portillo, Richie T. Steadman) everything he wants. Scrooge is full of energy and dances with such crisp moves that every step is pleasing to watch. When Shananay (Madison Bartell, Jessica Yergensen) and Scrooge cross paths years after their fall out, they make it so believable that they once loved each other and want to talk to the other but do not know how. Jacob Marley (Danny Eggers, Matt O’Malley) is actually Napoleon Dynamite, who pitched in at the last minute to become Scrooge in the past since the normal one was unable to make the performance. This fun device added another layer of comedy to the show, with Jacob Marley flirt with Scrooge’s love. For those who remember the 80’s with fondness, the Ghost of Christmas Past (Sara McDonald), will likely be your favorite. She portrays the role of an 80’s girl perfectly, from the way she stands and walks to the way she talks. McDonald is dressed in workout attire and “her” music is all from the 80’s, including “Don’t You Forget About Me”.
Holman always chooses performers that have amazing comedic timing and improvisational skills, while being able to sing, dance, and act. The casting of this show is perfect, every performer is thoroughly committed to their character.
Choreographer Allison Cox brilliantly adds choreography to fit each ghost, and I especially loved Future Ghost, who is accompanied by skeletons dancing. The way Cox choreographed Scrooge tap dancing is pleasing, since she makes sure every move is crisp and precise. And haven’t we all wanted to see Scrooge tap?
Accompanists Catie Omer Quigley, David Slack, and Trevor Jex Coon keep the show running with their piano skills, which help with audience involvement by playing certain notes for when to cheer and when to boo. They are extremely talented and serenade you all evening long on the piano.
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Lynn Funk has the costumes according to the various time periods in the show and they are colorful and festive. Lighting Designer Bronson Todd adds an entire new level to the show by having each character highlighted with their individual lighting setting. For example, McDonald’s lighting reminds the audience of an 80’s music video.
Jasmine Evans and Greg Nuismer balance the sound so perfectly that the woodwork around the performance hall can act as an acoustic piece and reciprocate the sound around the room. They make sure the microphones and the music are not overpowering each other and that the audience can hear without it being too loud.
Do not be a Scrooge and miss out on the opportunity to see Desert Star Playhouse’s incredible A Christmas Carol, Scrooged Again. By the end of the night your gut will hurt from laughing and you will be able to feel the holiday spirit even more, especially after the Olio. There is not a better way to make memories than to go see live theatre of this quality as a family. So come one, come all, to the show because “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas” would like to “Wish you a Merry Christmas” at A Christmas Carol, Scrooged Again.
Children under five years old are not allowed.
Desert Star Playhouse presents A Christmas
Carol, Scrooged Again, adapted by Scott Holman.
Desert Star Playhouse Theater, 4861 S State
Street, Murray, Utah 84107
November 14, 2019- January 4, 2020, times vary
Tickets: Adults $26.95, Children $15.95 (11 and under)
Contact: 801-266-2600
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