Review: Quest Sings a Sweet CHRISTMAS CAROL

Though it's main character is frugal Ebenezer Scrooge, Quest Theater Ensemble's production of the Lynn Ahrens and Alan Menken musical version of "A Christmas Carol" certainly had the specter of the Grinch. The troupe, which presents theater free of charge, recently had their sound equipment stolen. The show, running through Dec. 20 at the Blue Theatre, 1609 W. Gregory, must go on and on it did with borrowed equipment.

The well-known plot still manages to hold a few surprises. Kent Joseph plays Ebenezer and as such carries most of the heavy load. His Ebenezer is cheap, mean and very much a hermit who shuns people who continue to show him a multitude of human kindness despite his gruffness. He's as good as any Scrooge you're likely to see this season (and most of the other Scrooges aren't required to sing as much as he does -if at all).

As Jacob Marley (Scrooge's deceased business partner who warns him of the impending ghostly visitors), Jomar Ferreras manages to be both scary and funny with the showstopper "Link by Link" (which includes a skeleton kick line).

Tommy William Thurston and Sarah Krehl are both appropriately sympathetic as Bob and Mrs. Cratchit. Puppeteer Lindsey Jouett adds artistry to her lifesize puppet of Tiny Tim. The three are particularly effective in the song "Christmas Together" that just may cause you to tear up.

The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future are each given a showstopper (though as the silent Ghost of Christmas Future, Tamara Bodnar can merely pantomime). Cecillia Iole's Ghost of Christmas Past is sprite-like and full of energy. The Ahrens and Menken score gives her the best of the Ghost's songs, the sweet "The Lights of Long Ago." As, the Ghost of Chrismas Molly LeCaptain has the song "Abundance and Charity" that is written (as Menken is so fond of writing) in a girl-group style. It isn't period and seems out of character here as it has in other productions. LeCaptain and the ensemble are committed to selling it and it's pleasant enough, just not very Victorian. Emma Cullimore's candy cane costumes in the number are a bit more revealing than would have been permitted at the time.

Also worth signaling out, Chase Peacock and Janelle Ruth Rundquist really bring the house down as Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig in their number "Fezziwig's Annual Christmas Ball."

It's hard to fault the group for their predicament, but I would be remiss if I failed to mention that at the press opening the borrowed equipment crackled and popped a few times during the performance I caught. Equipment problems will no doubt be fixed in the run and even despite these minor issues the show was enjoyable. Given that the tickets are free (Quest solicits donations at the end of the performance), the show is a gift to Chicago theatergoers

"A Christmas Carol" runs through Dec. 20 at the Blue Theatre, 1609 W. Gregory. Admission is free, but reservations are highly recommended. Reserve seats by calling (312) 458-0895. www.questensemble.com

On Dec. 17th, Quest will host "The Grinch Who Stole Quest's Sound System!" a special, one-night-only cabaret fundraiser at 1609 W. Gregory. The show will feature Quest Company Members and friends singing holiday favorites. Tickets are $20

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