BWW Reviews: The Imaginary Theatre Company's Delightful BAH! HUMBUG!

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company has produced a wonderful musical spoof of Charles Dickens' holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, titled Bah! Humbug!. There have been so many different takes on the original story that one would think it's already been played out, but this standard will probably never go out of style. Jack Herrick (book, music and lyrics) does a marvelous job of making it all seem fresh again with a number of catchy little tunes, and a plethora of gags that make use of cultural references that will amuse both children and adults. If you've got a wee one you'd like to introduce to this vintage tale, I definitely recommend that you take the time to see this show.

Do I even need to write a synopsis? Well, for the uninitiated, it's the story of one Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly banker who's consumed with making money. He's not the type to spend it either, to the point of eating a disgusting dinner of cold fish gut soup, rather than dining on a lavish and rich meal. Needless to say he has no time for charity, and his employee, Bob Cratchit, earns his meager living by crouching inside an ATM. This saves Scrooge from having to actually purchase a computerized system to distribute cash. But, when Christmas Eve rolls around he's visited by the spectre of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who tells him he will meet three other ghosts who will reveal the error of his ways.

Alan Knoll does absolutely splendid work as Scrooge, the poster child for greed. He also manages to make this unlovable character funny by mining the script for as much humor as possible. Jason Contini also delivers a nice performance in a number of roles, including Bob Cratchit, Marley's Ghost (who carries his own head around), and the younger version of Scrooge. Kristin McGuire is fetching as a beggar girl, the young Scrooge's neglected girlfriend Polly, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ma Cratchit. Laurie McConnell is a delight as the diminutive Tiny Tim, the Ghost of Christmas Future, and Polly's mother. Each of the supporting players tackle other parts as well, and the entire cast brings the score to life with vocal aplomb.

Alan Knoll directs with a light touch that's just perfect for this material, and he's aided in his efforts by Neal Richardson's excellent work as musical director. The easily transportable scenic design by Scott Loebl is nicely done, and allows the transitions to occur seamlessly. Garth Dunbar's costumes are very good fits for each character as well.

By all means, check out the Imaginary Theatre Company's thoroughly enjoyable production of Bah! Humbug!. It continues through December 23, 2014 in the Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School.

Photo Credit: Eric Woolsey