Review: MSG's A CHRISTMAS CAROL at CMPAC

Long Island certainly has some brilliant holiday productions this season. Currently running through December 29th, Oakdale's Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC) has mounted a delightful showing of the musical version of A Christmas Carol; the one Madison Square Garden has produced. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Ms. Ahrens with Mike Ockrent, the wonderful cast surely didn't disappoint.

Based on the iconic and beloved Charles Dickens novella, the classic story, as we know, follows Ebenezer Scrooge in his search for the Christmas spirit.

Excellently leading the Terry Brennan directed cast as Mr. Scrooge is Brodie Centauro. This is a tough score to sing and being on stage for the majority of the two-act show, Mr. Centauro does a fantastic job portraying everyone's favorite miserable miser. Indeed, one of the strongest numbers in the show is his rendition on "Nothing to do with me".

Also a stand out is Donald J. Dowdell who strongly portrayed the ghost of Jacob Marley, Scrooge's deceased business partner. Marley, in life, was just as greedy as Scrooge. His ghost appears to warn Scrooge that he could face the same fate in eternity if he doesn't change his ways. Mr. Dowdell's rendition of "Link by Link" was absolutely superb and a favorite among the audience.

I truly could go on and on about the entire large cast as everybody is truly splendid.

Another highlight is the clever set designed by CMPAC's Artistic Director Patrick Grossman. Mostly we see what would be the outside in the city amongst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. One side revealed the kitchen of Bob Cratchit, Scrooge's associate portrayed by Bobby Peterson. There is also an upstairs they used for the room of Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit's son, portrayed by the absolutely adorable Jack Dowdell. A little busy perhaps, but smart nonetheless.

Additionally, the costumes, done by Ronald Green III, are beautiful. Set in 1880, the gowns the ladies wear are absolutely stunning with perfectly coifed wigs and the men don top hats and suits with tails. Other favorites include one particularly beautiful piece worn by The Ghost of Christmas Present, portrayed by Kyle Petty, is a holly green, floor length robe. All in all, the entire cast looked amazing.

No matter how many times you see this beloved story in whatever incarnation, CMPAC's production proves that it never gets old. A beautifully talented cast and this classic piece will surely bring you into the Christmas spirit.

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Madison Square Garden's A Christmas Carol is presented by the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at CM Performing Arts Centre through December 29th.

Directed by Terry Brennan, Musical Direction by Matthew Surico, Choreography by Kristen Digilio, Stage Management by Amanda Wenchel, Set Design by Patrick Grossman, Sound Design by Jennifer Miller, Lighting Design by Carol Tese, Costume Design by Ronald Green III

With Marc Slomowitz, Joe Bebry, Lola Gongora, Brodie Centauro, Bobby Peterson, John DelGenio, Luke Rosario, Matthew W. Surico, Michael Sherwood, Alexandra Cadet, Daniel Belyansky, Katie Hoffman, Jack Dowdell, Kyle Petty, Sam Lent, Steve Cottonaro, Dana Abruzzo, Debbie Linneman, Don Dowdell, Alison Carella, Justin Cimmino, Nick Fandaros, Sarah Minto, Michael Sherwood, Skylar Greene, Kaylyn Lewis, Ashley Beard, Liza Aqulino, Angela Catsaros, Morgianna McDevitt, Christian DeRusso, Katy Snair

Photo by Lisa Schindlar

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