Review: Desert Theatreworks' New Version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a Joy to Watch

For those families whose holiday traditions include crying when Tiny Tim Cratchit dies, Desert Theatreworks's new version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is just what you need to make your season complete. The clever staging, the use of a combination musical chorus and Greek chorus (the latter narrates early parts of the story), the costumes, the make-up, the imaginative sound and lighting, the elements of humor, and, of course, the acting all contribute to the success of this top-notch production.

Director Lance Phillips-Martinez adapted the Charles Dickens novella by turning Dickens' words into narration and dialog. Mr. Phillips-Martinez noted, "A lot [of Dickens' words] I didn't have to change." He also selected period Christmas carols, sung primarily by the chorus, that relate to the action on stage. He noted that the carolers narrate the action, and break the fourth wall by talking to the audience.

There are at least four meaty roles in this production, and the performers make the most of them. Mr. Phillips-Martinez decided to cast against type by choosing the middle-aged, robust-looking, friendly-faced J. Stegar Thompson to play Scrooge. This is an inspired choice; Mr. Thompson is a master of facial expressions and comic timing. He evoked numerous laughs with his scowl and his manifestations of terror, including crawling on the floor looking for intruders under the bed. Once Scrooge transforms into his new persona, Mr. Thompson's deliberately clumsy dances of joy light up the stage.

Stephen Blackwell, who played the threatening Uncle Louie in last season's production of LOST IN YONKERS, also owns the stage as the Cockney-accented ghost of Jacob Marley. His terrifying make-up contrasts perfectly with his comic, Chewbacca-like howls. He is equally funny as a second character who wants to be the center of attention at a party.

The ghost of Christmas present (Tanner Lieser), in his false beard and traditional tunic, physically resembles other productions' portrayals. There the resemblance ends - the American accented Mr. Lieser plays the largely comic role sarcastically, and puts on a superb Gerard Butler Scottish accent.

The usual heart-stealer in A CHRISTMAS CAROL is Tiny Tim, and this production is no different. Seven-year-old Tess Martinez, daughter of Lance and Ron Phillips-Martinez (Desert Theatreworks' Chief Executive Officer), is adorable in the role. She is a natural onstage who owned the audience at the performance I attended.

The rest of the cast and crew are also excellent. In the heartwrenching scene in which the ghost of Christmas yet-to-come shows Scrooge the bereaved Cratchit family after Tiny Tim's death, Patricia Cromwell (Mrs. Cratchit) told me that she was actually crying as she played the tragic scene. I was crying as well, as I watched.

Lance Phillips-Martinez designed the lighting and sound, both of which contribute heavily to the atmosphere. The theme of the show - give to the poor - is similar to that of LES MISERABLES, but Ron Phillips-Martinez, who designed the top-notch sets and special effects, created a brilliant bit of stagecraft that would fit perfectly into THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. (I won't give away what it is but it generated a lot of laughs). Lance Phillips-Martinez is a master of movement theatre and he milks humor from stage business such as an antagonist walking backwards as another leans over him in a threatening fashion.

The cast of almost twenty-five people includes at least seven children. Many of the adult and child performers, almost all of whom play multiple roles, some with major costume and makeup changes, are new to Desert Theatreworks. Despite the large cast; the multi-part Christmas carols, performed a cappella and without a conductor (David and Rebecca Hertsgaard served as musical directors); the complicated staging and special effects; and the detailed period costumes (designed by Emily Ramierez), everything comes together beautifully.

Whether you crave Christmas spirit or Christmas spirits (the ghost kind, although, as a 501(c)(3), Desert Theatreworks now provides beer and wine at intermission), I recommend marking your calendar for the weekend of December 18th through 20th to attend one of the remaining four performances of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The show is suitable for families, although young children may be upset by a few frightening scenes.

The rest of the cast consists of Gregg Aratin, Stephen McMillen, Phylicia Mason, Miguel Arballo, Peter Nicholson, Sue Niel, Winston Gieseke, Lauren Geddie, Jenny Ferguson, Emily Ramirez, Sydnie Safoyan, Cameron Keys, Noah Dobson, Leah Juarez, Luke Greenwood, and Cameron Trubee. DeLane Marianowits is the stage manager.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL will run through December 20, 2015, at the Arthur Newman Theatre, in the Joslyn Center, 73-750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert CA, 92260. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.dtworks.org, in person at the Joslyn Center, and by phone at 760-980-1455. General admission is $26; senior admission is $24, and student admission (with i.d.) is $16.
Groups of 8 or more should call the box office at 760-980-1455 or buy tickets in person.

Desert Theatreworks' 2015-16 Season continues with:

LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR
Neil Simon's autobiographical comedy.
January 29-February 7, 2016

CLUE THE MUSICAL
Based on the popular board game with over 200 possible endings.
March 11-20, 2016

OTHER DESERT CITIES
The Broadway family drama set in Palm Springs.
April 8-17, 2016

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