By Claire DeMarco
If it’s close to Christmas, it’s time for old Ebenezer Scrooge to make his annual appearance!
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” was first published as a novella in 1843 and later adapted for stage and screen and then a musical. This is Pittsburgh CLO’s 32nd year presenting this classic which includes music and a bit of comedy.
Ebenezer Scrooge (Charles Shaughnessy) is a miserly, spiteful, greedy old man whose love of money means more to him than the people around him. Even Christmas doesn’t open his heart or his pocket.
He annually rejects his nephew Fred’s (Justin Fortunato) Christmas dinner invitation, refuses to contribute to helping those less fortunate and expects his long-time employee, Bob Cratchit (Aaron Galligan-Stierle) to work a few hours on the holiday.
On Christmas Eve his former business partner, Marley (Daniel Krell), dead for several years, appears as a ghost, a frightening green, chained version of his former self. He warns Scrooge that if he doesn’t turn his life around, he’ll end up like him.
Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future are revealed to Scrooge. Each time snapshot enables Scrooge to capture and remember what he was like in his youth, what he should strive to be and what will happen to him if he doesn’t change. Only he can determine which direction he takes.
Shaughnessy is so believable as Scrooge. His mean nature and dour outlook on life spill out from his voice and his facial features support that impression. As he revisits his early life (as an onlooker), he captures the sense of wonder at that life. He moves easily into the present as he seeks redemption.
Theo Allyn as Mrs. Dilber is exceptional. Her comedy encompasses both physical gymnastics and exceptional use of facial contortions. Imbibing a little too much drink with a cockney accent is comedy at its best.
A master of doubletakes and asides, Tim Hartman’s Mr. Fezziwig is outstanding. His timing is superb and he easily transitions from quasi-serious to funny with ease. When Allyn (as dual character Mrs. Fezziwig) joins Hartman it’s double trouble and double fun.
Alexander Podolinski shines as Young Ebenezer Scrooge. He is kind and outgoing. His nature completely changes from this young caring youth once exposed to Marley. His hardened facial expressions define his new persona.
Krell has no problem changing from the soul tortured ghost into the evil business partner who initially turns Scrooge from a compassionate young man into his own likeness.
The ensemble singers ranging from very young to older are excellent.
Mariann Verheyen’s costume designs are diverse and exceptional, most notable with creations for the “Ghosts.”
A shining light on Andrew David Ostrowski, Lighting Designer and a shout out to Scenic Designer D. Martin Bookwalter for special effects.
-CED
“A Musical Christmas Carol” is a production of Pittsburgh CLO. Performances run from December 13th to December 22nd at the Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA. For more information, click here.
