REVIEW: Meadow Brook Theatre Restores Faith in A CHRISTMAS CAROL

From what I could remember seeing the stage version of "A Christmas Carol", by Charles Dickens, years ago I loved the classic tale that reminds us about the importance of the spirit of Christmas at this time of year. However recently being let down with Disney's film version of the show I wasn't overly excited to see this holiday story again so soon this season. I am pleased to say that after seeing Meadow Brook Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol" my faith in the all time classic has been restored.

The familiar story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the ghosts that change a life has been staged every December for over 20 years at Meadow Brook Theatre. "It's our most popular play," says MBT Interim Artistic Director, Travis Walter. "People bring their families year after year. We're thrilled to be a part of so many traditions."

This year's production stars Meadow Brook Theatre veteran, Thomas D. Mahard, as Ebenezer Scrooge. Mahard played Ebenezer with a great deal of depth and originality. Even though I have seen the show numerous times, I really couldn't wait to see the newly transformed Scrooge run down the street Christmas morning proclaiming his new found love for the day. Mahard has appeared on stage at MBT in over 60 productions, spanning 30 years. This includes 23 seasons in various roles for "A Christmas Carol." He's excited to be portraying Scrooge this season, as he passes the 1,000 performance mark for "A Christmas Carol."

The entire cast was extremely cohesive and just overall amazing. Everyone in the cast had amazing vocal talent and it was a nice touch to have song added to some of the scenes. In addition to Mahard, the cast includes Aaron T. Moore (Ghost of Jacob Marley), Sara Catheryn Wolf (Ghost of Christmas Past), Paul Hopper (Ghost of Christmas Present), Patrick O'Connor Cronin (Ghost of Christmas Future), Tobin Hissong (Bob Cratchit), Jean Lyle Lepard (Mrs. Cratchit) and, alternating in the role of Tiny Tim, Zachary Garrett or Colin Kirlpatrick. The large cast includes several other professional Michigan actors, as well as nearly two dozen local children, pursuing their dreams of being on stage.

"A Christmas Carol" is directed by MBT Associate Director, Terry W. Carpenter, utilizing the original staging from Charles Nolte, who adapted the popular version of the holiday classic for the Meadow Brook Theatre stage. As soon as the curtain went up you literally felt like you jumped into the novel with the detail and precision of the staging. There was a central piece in the middle of the stage that seamlessly transformed from Scrooges home/counting house into various other locations throughout the show. I have never seen the memories done where Scrooge remembers during the ghosts visits events that are linked to the present that he could have done differently. I really like the way Carpenter choose to have these memories interspersed with the ghosts visits. It added a more believable transformation at the end of the play when Ebenezer realizes the error of his ways.
The design team includes set design by Peter W. Hicks, light design by Reid G. Johnson, sound design by Mike Duncan. The appearance of the three ghosts promised to visit Scrooge by Bob Marley was amazing in this production of the show. The ghosts seemed to magically appear on stage with the clever use of trap doors and smoke really helped to believe that these spirits were actually haunting Scrooge. I think the entire theatre jumped out of their seats when Bob Marley makes his exit from Scrooges room, the stage goes black and all you hear is a huge boom and see a large spark. The costumes by Mary Pettinato, were done extremely well, using rich textured fabrics and very appropriate for an Old English Christmas in the 1800's. Everything about the design of this show was very detailed and elaborate right down to the holiday feasts on the table. I was highly impressed by the attention to detail that this show possessed.

When Ebenezer Scrooge asks in the beginning of the play "What is Christmas but a time to pay bills with no money?", I have to admit even though I am a self proclaimed Christmas lover, in this economy it was easy to wonder that very same thing once it was said aloud. That was of course only for about five minutes until you start examining how far Scrooge has got in his life with that frame of mind. I feel fortunate that I had the chance to be reminded this year by seeing Meadow Brook's version of this show about the importance of treating everyone with kindness, generosity, compassion, and overall embodying the spirit of Christmas now and always when it can be so easy to forget.

"A Christmas Carol" is on stage at Meadow Brook Theatre from November 21 through December 20. Tickets range from $25 to $40 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group discounts.

 

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