REVIEW: A Christmas Carol at Rochester Opera House
WHAT: A Christmas Carol Musical
WHERE: Rochester Opera House
BLURB: Thoroughly enjoyable
HIGH POINT: An adjective-defying (but extraordinary) ensemble voice
With each consecutive ROH "A Christmas Carol Musical" production there's been real improvement - direction, visuals, music, the whole package; this latest is no exception. There's just so much right here - but most notable is the cast, which proves an embarrassment of riches.
"Carol" is the quintessential Christmas ghost/morality story, based on the eponymous 19th century tale by Charles Dickens. Its message is one that transcends the season. It's worthy of watch anytime of year, but given its holiday setting it has become the darling of the winter holidays.
Okay, the production. Let's start at the beginning.
At the top of the show is the rich and warm speaking voice of Justin MacDougall as Dickens. It's the sound of a cozy wrap sweater on a snowy day. It's also what sets the tone for the musical, and of course MacDougall continues to charm throughout.
His intro is immediately followed by a bustling street scene where the audience gets its first taste of the wondrous singing to follow. The scene's multiple short solos are lovely, sometimes blissful, while the ensemble voice is heavenly, and one of the finest collectives in memory.
The day "Carol" was reviewed Billy Butler, who plays Scrooge, was ill. Given his decades of previous performances there's no question he'll chew up the stage upon his return.
Till then the role is perfectly attended by Robert Carroll, who performs as an authentic, cantankerous, hardened human, rather than a caricature, and treats every song deftly.
Carroll never noticeably drops a note, a sentence or a move, it's an impressive performance from beginning to end.
In one of the show's more touching scenes Carroll as Scrooge is transported to an earlier time, where he sings "Remember," with his younger self, perfectly performed by Patrick Dorow. It's an incredibly moving moment, enhanced by the commingling of two lovely voices.
Dorow also takes on Bob Cratchit. He moves perfectly between obsequious employee, and realistic loving family man. He also delivers the show's most heart-wrenching moment, in one of the short graveyard sequences.
Then there's Ryan Salvato as Present who gives an incredibly joyous, larger-than-life performance; and yes, near the end of his time, tops it off with one of the play's most unnerving; great performances.
The cast continues to impress.
Shaughnessey Gower as Belle dazzles with her clean, beautiful rendition of "Heart of Gold," a show standout.
Kudos also to Kit Grimm as old Joe, and Marley, and Danielle Erwin as Mrs. Dilber and Mrs. Fezziwig.
There are more than three-dozen performers in this musical, too many to list. But, to a person they all bring what's called for.
Okay, so there are a few things not quite on target, but nothing that takes from the whole.
There is a costume issue that seems to plague "Carol" productions - it's money versus the large-cast reality.
As is so often the case, the costuming, here by Sarai Kramer, is of mixed eras.
ROH keeps making strides in this area, but the oft used 20th century prairie dresses make their appearance, along with other items that don't appear for a hundred or so years. As mentioned in reviews over the past few decades, lots of patrons won't notice, but during a time of popular historical TV series that number dwindles.
Another issue is not the company's doing, but that of Piers Chater-Robinson,"Carol's" composer. Chater-Robinson's "Link by Link," a rather buoyant tune, is written for Marley (which Grimm performs valiantly).
The words may be somber but the melody is upbeat, which is off-putting given Marley's scene is one of the darkest supernatural moments of the entire ghost tale. The song's lilt gives every appearance a dance number is coming, though thank the holy tree-topper Director/Choreographer Jenry Towle doesn't take it there.
What Towle does do is bring sharp and poignant staging to her show. Each scene, intimate to bustling, is treated with the perfect tone. Quiet and warm, to boisterous and lively, she delivers.
A few highlights: the smooth movement through the tricky ghostly worlds, the delightfully spooky scene outside Scrooge's domicile, and the wonderful staging for the Future segments.
Music Director William Asher has some incredible talent to work with, and proves he knows how to use it. A simple example is the humorously pleasing vocal direction for the singing street urchins. It's a simple but effective choice, and just one of many small details throughout this show that makes it special.
The visuals are also much improved, this year greatly enhanced by the addition of numerous projected backdrops, by Dorow. They truly enrich the story's color and depth, as well as make the many scene changes fast and seamless.
Kudos also to Dane Leeman for his ever thoughtful and creative scenic design, Kelli Leigh-Ann Conners for the spot-on light design, and Dorow for Wigs.
ROH's "A Christmas Carol Musical," is sweet and spicy in just the right measure. It's perfect family fare, and will definitely entertain all ages.
Theater is a great way to create lasting holiday memories and this production is a great choice, well worth your very scarce discretionary, family holiday time.
WHAT: A Christmas Carol Musical
WHERE: Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St, Rochester, NH
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