Published December 20, 2018
By GAIL LOWE
BEVERLY — Just when you think North Shore Music Theatre can’t possibly do any better with its annual offering of “A Christmas Carol,” something new is added to make it sparkle even more. The show has been an annual tradition at the theater since 1989.
First, the obligatory synopsis: “A Christmas Carol,” penned by Charles Dickens and published in 1843, tells the story of the elderly Ebenezer Scrooge (David Coffee, now in his 25th year in the role), a mean-spirited miser whose sole employee Bob Cratchit (Russell Garrett) is forced to work in Scrooge’s ice cold counting house because he’s too much of a penny-pincher to spend money on coal to keep the place warm.
DAVID COFFEE has played the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in NSMT’s “A Christmas Carol” for the past 25 years. He is shown sharing a merry moment with his housekeeper Mrs. Dilber, played by Cheryl McMahon. (Paul Lyden Photo)
But Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man after being visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley (Freddie Kimmel) who tells him he will have encounters with three spirits that very night: The Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.
All three are symbolic of characters in the musical — Mrs. Cratchit (Leigh Barrett) personifies the Spirit of Christmas Past, Gentleman 1 and prosperous merchant (Peter S. Adams) personifies the Spirit of Christmas Present, and Scrooge’s younger version of himself personifies the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come (Ryan Mardesich).
This year, right out of the gate, the story narrator (Tommy Labanaris) touches the sheets covering two chandeliers, causing them to magically swoop above the stage, leaving glitter in their wake.
Then, the Pearlies (Cameron Hobbs and Parker Krug) tumble onto stage, all while eerie live music foreshadows the scenes to come. Even the pyrotechnics designed to wow viewers and give them a bit of a fright are in greater abundance. Added to all of this are a few new humorous lines in the dialogue.
Truly, it’s hard to imagine how “A Christmas Carol” can get any better than this.
SCROOGE’S NEPHEW FRED, played by North Reading’s Andy Tighe, dances with his beloved Meg (Lianne Gennaco) in NSMT’s “A Christmas Carol.” (Paul Lyden Photo)
Favorite Christmas songs include “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen,” “Ding, Dong, Merrily on High,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” “The Boar’s Head Carol” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” among others.
Gorgeous costumes, festive scenery, and song and dance provided a wonderful backdrop for the topnotch performances turned in by all the actors and actresses, including North Reading’s Andy Tighe as Scrooge’s cheerful nephew Fred, Lianne Gennaco as his bride Meg, and Joy Clark as Belle. Performers deserving of praise include North Reading’s Janelle Yull in her ensemble debut, as well as Isabella Carroll, Jake Ryan Flynn, Joseph Flynn, Asher Navisky, Grace Olah, Cam Perrin, AJ Scott, Nicole Talbot and Wade Glesson Turner.
“The show,” said NSMT owner Bill Hanney, “always brings back memories of the past, evokes gratitude for what we have today and it always gives us a burning hope for a bright future. That is what we all need at this time of year.”
How true. It’s why people return year after year to ponder “A Christmas Carol’s” timeless message of never being too late.
Don’t miss out on this wondrous show before the final performances this weekend, through Sunday, Dec. 23. Get your tickets by calling 978-232-7200 or visit www.nsmt.org.
Adapted for the stage from the Charles Dickens novella by Jon Kimbell, assisted by David James and David Zoffoli. Original music composed and arranged by Alby Potts and James Woodland. Direction and choreography by Kevin P. Hill. Music direction and keyboard by Milton Granger. Costume coordination and design by Kelly Baker and scenic design by Howard C. Jones.
