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Scrooge (Christopher Reber) sees the Ghose of Christmas Present (Jennifer Martinelli). (Mark and Tracy Photography) |
Hillbarn Theatre is celebrating the holiday season
with a musical version of Charles Dickens’ beloved “A Christmas Carol.”
With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and
book by Ahrens and Mike Ockrent, it’s set in London on Christmas Eve, 1843.
It’s the tale of a curmudgeonly old miser, Ebenezer
Scrooge (Christopher Reber), who discovers that money is less important than
love for humanity.
After his clerk, Bob Cratchit (James Ambler) is done
for the day, Scrooge heads home from his loan (shark) office, spurning pleas
for charity with his trademark “bah, humbug.”
Once in bed, he’s confronted by the ghost of his
late partner, Jacob Marley (Randy O’Hara). Marley warns that the chains he
carries could await Scrooge if he doesn’t change his ways. He adds that three
more ghosts will visit that night.
The first, the sprightly Ghost of Christmas Past
(Sammi Hildebrandt), shows him what he was like as a lonely boy and a much
happier young man.
Next the more mature Ghost of Christmas Present
(Jennifer Martinelli) takes him to the Cratchits’ home. Despite their poverty
and worries about their youngest, Tiny Tim (Noah Itzkovitz), they’re a happy,
loving family.
Finally, the looming Ghost of Christmas Future
(three actors) shows what will happen if Scrooge doesn’t change. Lamenting his
behavior, he becomes a generous benefactor to his clients and the Cratchits.
Directed by Hillbarn artistic director Dan Demers,
the show moves well, aided by his flexible set. Choreography by Jayne Zaban
increases the merriment, as do the costumes and wigs by Pamela Lampkin and the
lighting by Carson Duper.
Although music director Rick Reynolds’ orchestra
plays well, it’s too loud, often drowning out lyrics and getting no help from
Ron Ho’s sound design.
Overall, the acting is fine, especially by Ambler as
Bob Cratchit and Hildebrandt as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Many actors play
several roles.
Singing is a mixed bag with the best coming from
Hildebrandt, Ambler and the show’s youngsters.
The first notes of Menken’s score recall “The
Phantom of the Opera,” while other songs seem derivative of Stephen Sondheim.
Nevertheless, the show’s message of kindness and
charity comes through clearly and was well received by the nearly full house on
opening night.
Running about two hours and 40 minutes with one
intermission, “A Christmas Carol” will continue through Dec. 16 at Hillbarn
Theatre, 1285 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City.
