A Christmas Carol at HCTO

Last night I saw the reclamation of Ebeneezer Scrooge (Ric Starnes) by the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Tannah O'Banion), Present (Mark Fossen), and Future (Carter McEwan) for the third time this week at HCTO.  I had never seen this version before and I really loved it!  Much like the production at HCT, this show incorporates music in the form of a group of carolers (Abby Young, Ally Johnson, Ashlyn Patterson, Carter McEwan, Jacob Eich, Jacob Ith, and Kirk Baxter) who sing in between scenes, provide narration for the action, and move set pieces on and off stage.  I really enjoyed their performance of "Wexford Carol" (which is becoming one of my new favorites this year), "Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella" (another favorite from my choir days in college), and "Joy to the World" (because it is so triumphant).  I was also really moved by a tender version of "What Child is This" by Bob (Geoff Means) and Mrs. Cratchit (Natalie Killpack-Daniel) at Tiny Tim's grave and by "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Scrooge after his transformation.  It was really interesting for me to see this show a day after HCT's version because there are some differences that I actually prefer.  The scenes between a young Ebeneezer (Aron Naylor) and Belle (Ellie Mellen) are expanded to show show her living her life with a husband and daughter to emphasize what Scrooge has missed out on, the scene between Old Joe (Ethan Freestone) and the Charwoman (Natalie Killpack-Daniel) regarding Scrooge's belongings after his death happens very quickly (I think it goes on far too long in HCT's version), and the scene where Scrooge wakes up in his bed chamber is filled with more gratitude than giddiness.  Starnes is an outstanding Scrooge and I especially enjoyed his reaction to reading his name on the tombstone and his interactions with Cratchit.  I also really enjoyed Doug Kaufman and Ethan Freestone as the solicitors because their facial expressions and physical performances add a bit of levity to the story and, of course, Sawyer Winspear is absolutely adorable as Tiny Tim, especially when he directs his family in a rousing version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."  The sets are very minimal with pieces moved on and off stage (I was impressed with how seamless and how well integrated into the action this was) but the costumes are gorgeous with lots of details and embellishments (I loved all of the bonnets).  I fell in love with this production and now I am going to have to add it to my list of holiday traditions!  It runs at HCTO through December 23 with multiple performances each day (go here for tickets).