DAVRON S. MONROE, The Ghost of Christmas Present and the cast of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ now at North Shore Music Theatre through Saturday, December 23. (David Costa Photography)
By GAIL LOWE
BEVERLY — Strobe lights, confetti glitter and seemingly impossible acrobatics ushered in a new and exciting performance of “A Christmas Carol” at North Shore Music Theatre last Friday night.
The musical is playing through Saturday, December 23 under the expert direction of Kevin P. Hill. Hurry and get your tickets now before they sell out.
As in previous years, the Charles Dickens classic opens with the adult Tiny Tim narrating. The role is played once again by Tommy Labanaris, an accomplished actor who perfectly captures the essence of his character. To set the mood, Music Director Milton Granger’s magnificent live orchestra played “The Welcome Wassail,” a lively piece of music that sets the scene in old London town. What followed was something that the audience was made aware of—Jacob Marley was dead. Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge’s former business partner, came out of the shadows flying high above the stage to warn Scrooge that he had better change his ways, lest he bear the heavy, miserable chains of sin and misery in the afterlife. The pyrotechnics and deafening booms used in this frightening scene would cause any sinner in the audience to sit up and take notice. Three cheers for Jack Mehler (lighting design) and Leon Rothenberg (sound design).
The story, set in 1843, revolves around the tight-fisted Scrooge and the family man who works for him—Bob Cratchit, whose young son Tiny Tim is ill and crippled. Marley tells Scrooge that three ghosts will visit him late at night. The Ghost of Christmas Past shows him what once was. The Ghost of Christmas Present shows him what is now. And the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come allows him to glimpse his future. What strikes at the heart of old Scrooge is the absence of Tiny Tim.
The epilogue takes place in 1860 when Tiny Tim is not only a young man, but a father, too. The generosity of a changed Ebenezer Scrooge made it possible for him to live. The lively song list includes “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” “A Dream within a Dream,” “Ding, Dong, Merrily on High,” “Boar’s Head Carol,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Tomorrow shall be My Dancing Day” and others plus orchestral solos and wonderful choreography.
As in previous performances, Ghost of Christmas Past Leigh Barrett’s vocals were stunningly beautiful. Ghost of Christmas Present Davron S. Monroe and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come Jack Gimpel, both making their debut at the theater, were also standouts with their rich, resonant voices.
There are so many wonderful aspects to NSMT’s version of this timeless tale, beginning with David Coffee’s return, his 29th year as Ebenezer Scrooge and ending with the two Pearlies played by Drew Porrett and Michael Olaribigbe. The Pearlies, or tumblers, were inspired by 19th century London’s Cockney buskers who performed for donations.
In between, actor-singer Cheryl McMahon, also in her 29th year and Russell Garrett returned as Mrs. Dilbert/Mrs. Fezziwig and Bob Cratchit, respectively, while Carrington Vilmont played Jacob Marley.
Other actors worthy of note were Bronson Norris Murphy as Scrooge’s nephew Fred, Turner Riley as Belle/Meg and J.T. Turner as Mr. Fezziwig.
Youngsters Stella Centore and Ainsley Moulton take turns playing Tiny Tim in this production.
Rounding out the cast are Michael David Brennan as Young Scrooge, Billy Goldstein as Old Joe Miller, Alexi Ishida as Belle/Meg, Resa Mishina (ensemble) and Ellen Peterson (ensemble/Mrs. Dilbert/Fezzziwig). Also, Caleb Wilson Schaaf as Dick Wilkins, Jack Baumrind, Helen Brady, Isabella Carroll, Adalyn Daly, Brady Murphy, Quinn Murphy, Jackson Wisco, Sarah Koury, Graham Layton and Grace Olah.
Musicians included Robert L. Rucinski on keyboard; William Vint on flute, clarinet and English horn; Jay Daly on trumpet; Michael Bellofatto on French horn; Kevin Virgilio on trombone; Emily Halpern Lewis on harp; Zoia Bologovsky on violin; Jon Bumstead on cello and Miles Ahlstrom on bass.
“A Christmas Carol” is in its 32nd year at NSMT. For tickets, call the box office at 978-232-7200 or visit nsmt.org. The theater is located at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly.
