Last night I went to Hale Centre Theatre for the fourth of five productions of A Christmas Carol that I have scheduled this holiday season. This is a very traditional version of Ebenezer Scrooge's reclamation by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future and it is my sentimental favorite. I have been attending this show 25+ years and, since it isn't part of the season subscription, I sometimes try to convince myself that I don't need to see it every year but then I realize that I would really miss it and end up getting a ticket. I am so glad that I did this year because I enjoyed this production even more than usual. I wait with anticipation for every single scene (I think I have the whole show memorized) and I love seeing actors return year after year in the same role, particularly Stephen Kerr as Scrooge because his transformation is very powerful. I also really enjoy seeing new interpretations of characters and I especially loved John Rex Kocherhans because he brings a dignity to Bob Cratchit, Ben Parkes because he is so overwrought as Marley, and Taylor J. Smith because he is absolutely hilarious as the Ghost of Christmas Present (his facial expressions are so funny and I laughed out loud every time he threw confetti at Scrooge). One of the things I love best about HCT's production is the use of music to tell the story with an octet (Brett Myers, Zack Grob, Dan VanOrmer, Quinn Dietlein, Rachel Worthen Grob, Jennifer Riley, Luana Parkes, and Courtney McMullin) who sing in between the scenes and various characters who sing as part of the narrative. My favorites are "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" by Mr. Fezziwig (Mark Brocksmith) and his party guests, "Greensleeves" by Belle (Jordyn Aspyn Durfey), "Wassail, Wassail" by Fred (Josh Durfey) and his party guests, "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" by the Poor Wife (Dawn Dietlein), and "Sussex Carol" by the Company. I also really love the elaborate sets, particularly the attention to detail in Scrooge's counting house (I love the ledgers and file boxes on the shelves), Scrooge's bed chamber (I love the opulent fabrics and wallpaper), Bob Cratchit's house (I love the fireplace), Fred's house (I love the Christmas tree), and the Rag and Bottle Shop (I love all of the items for sale displayed on the shelves). The only criticism I ever have of this show is that I think the scene at the Rag and Bottle Shop goes on a bit too long but last night I loved it because Taylor J. Smith made me laugh out loud as Old Joe. The holidays just wouldn't be the same without this show and I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here) but act quickly because many dates are sold out. It runs on the Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage through December 28.
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