Directed by: Margaret Ball
Based on the Novella: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Mavor Moore
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz
The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Department of Theatre presented their production of “A Christmas Carol” which is a musical adaptation of the seasonal classic written by Charles Dickens. This musical version is not the first to be inspired by novella as anyone who was born since it was written in 1843 can attest. In fact, it would be extremely difficult to find anyone who doesn’t know the story of a miserly old man who is warned by his deceased business partner he must become more generous with his wealth or face an eternity of torment in the afterlife. He is then visited by three spirits who reveal his forgotten memories of his past, the present results of his actions, and a frightening future if he continues his life as it is.
The ESU production of this familiar tale was a likeable and enjoyable one. However, if anyone is waiting for this reviewer to jump up and down in order to give the production a rave review, they may be waiting for quite some time. At the considerable risk of being accused of being a “Scrooge,” I must say the production was lacking in many areas. This is unusual for an ESU production as the insightful plays chosen, the stellar performances by the actors, and the production’s deftly executed direction helps defines high quality theater in the area.
However, when endeavoring to re tell a story that has the familiarity “A Christmas Carol” has, one had to remember everyone knows it almost verbatim. So, it would be germane to seek out a version that has some new insights regarding the work. The production’s program included a well written article by Dr. Rita M. Plotnicki about the origins of the Novella and it’s indictment of 19th century industrial capitalism and its’ effects on the poor. However, the play makes very little attempt to address these issues and decided to be a quaint retelling with forgettable songs even though these very issues have become very prevalent in recent times as illustrated by the “Occupy” movements.
Another aspect of the production that kept it from being thoroughly enjoyable by this reviewer was the uneven acting throughout the performance. There were moments when an actor delivered a line which was followed by an impregnated pause before a response was uttered. This hindered the flow of some scenes and led to many members of the audience to dispel their suspension of disbelief by reminding them were watching a play.
Also, this reviewer wondered about the necessity of actors wearing microphones. Not only did it seem anachronistic, but the devices seemed unnecessary. It would make sense, to this reviewer, if the actors had to speak or sing while accompanied by a large orchestra so their voices could be heard. But, the musical accompaniment to the actors consisted of a piano. This may be considered a minor point to ponder, but it makes this reviewer wonder.
Now, before I get more coal than usual in my stocking, it would be neglectful of this reviewer not to mention this production was enjoyed by the audience. There were some great moments in the play and some of the portrayals of characters did bring some life into the production. Still, for this reviewer, it seemed the overall quality of the production was a bit mediocre and not to be considered one of the University’s best.
The cast consisted of Michael Lloret as Ebenezer Scrooge, Rich Hennesy as Bob Cratchit, Joseph Dougherty as The Ghost of Jacob Marley, Mr. Fezziwig, and one of the two Toffs, Tyler Whitman as The Ghost of Christmas Past, a Gentleman, and one of the two Toffs, Shannon Leigh Christmann as The Ghost of Christmas Present and Mrs. Dobbs, Deanna Knapp as The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and a Caroler, Gregory J. Back as Tiny Tim Cratchit, Karen Guilliams as a Lady and Belle, Tyler W. Adams as Tom, a Soldier, Dick Willoughby, Jack and Billy Cratchit, Katie Dembesky as a Caroler, Charity and served the production as an Electrician, Molly Bunkard as a Caroler, Rebecca Regina as a Caroler, Miss Fezziwig, Susan, and Martha Cratchit, Laura Wall as a Caroler, Mrs. Fezziwig, and Belinda Cratchit, Kristen Walsh as Mrs. Dilbert, Hope, and Mrs. Cratchit, and Zenobia Colah as Ali Baba and Betsy Cratchit.
The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Department of Theatre production of “A Christmas Carol” was directed by Margaret Ball. The play’s book, music, and lyrics were composed by Mavor Moore and based on the Novella written by Charles Dickens. Betsy Buzzelli-Clark was the production’s Musical Director with incidental music composed by Stephan Woodjetts. The production was Stage Managed by Robert McIntyre who also served as a Carpenter and as a Electrician. Assistant Stage Managers were Ahleea Zama and Michelle Tuite who also served as a Carpenter and as a Property Assistant, Yoshinori Tanokura served the production as its set and costume designer, Shannon Long and Melissa Sherry served the production as Costume Assistants, Michael Thomas served the production as its Technical Director, Bruce Candlish served the production as its Lighting Designer, Kelsey Pulzone served the production as its Master Electrician, its Light Board Operator, and as a Carpenter, Mary Dennis, Gabe Rabinowitz, and Brandon Cabrera served the production as Electricians, Devon Sparks served the production as its Property Master and as an Electrician, Jackie Knollhoff served the production as Property Assistant, Michelle Jones served the production as its Dialect Coach and as a Carpenter, Eric Lang and Tiff Cruz served the production as Carpenters, Dave Dougherty and Matt Pierson served the production as Sound Board Operators, Aaqilah Lewis served the production as its House Manager, Elyse Burnett served the production as its Box Office Manager as assisted by Megan Rosvanis, The Posters promoting the production as the programs were designed by Darlene Farris-LaBar.
This production of “A Christmas Carol” will continue its run at The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) in East Stroudsburg, PA at The University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center in it’s Smith-McFarland Theatre until December 4th and, while it is lacking in many areas, it is an enjoyable for many. The next production to be presented at The University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center will be Stage II’s production of their 2012 Student Directed One Act Plays. The theme this year is “Love and all that it entails” featuring the plays “The Wedding Song,” “A chocolate Affair,” “F. L. E. X,” and “Starting Over.” The production runs from February 14th until the 19th. Please contact The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Theatre Department at 570-422-3483 for more information about future productions and to reserve your ticket.
Photograph provided by The East Stroudsburg University (ESU) Department of Theatre.
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