The Christmas Classic “A Christmas Carol” is plying weekends though December 14th with a Matinee this Sunday, November 24th. Managing Editor Tami Roleff offers this review of the production…
The story of a miserly and unhappy man, who, by confronting his past, present and future, learns forgiveness, generosity and redemption, is Theatre 29’s holiday production. The classic story “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy old man who greets Christmas with “Bah, humbug,” until he is visited by the ghosts of his old business partner, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The ghosts show him happy memories from his past, and what his life will be like if he doesn’t change his cantankerous ways. Theatre 29 veteran Kurt Schauppner is perfect as Ebenezer Scrooge; it’s the role he was born to play. Also outstanding is Lizzie Schmelling as Belle, Scrooge’s love interest when he was a young man. Schmelling continues to grow and improve in each play she’s in, and in my opinion, this is her best performance to date. Other standouts in the very large cast are Herman Platzke as Scrooge’s dead business partner Jacob Marley, Adam Redman as Scrooge’s nephew Fred, and Leonard Weber as Bob Cratchit. The set design is split between the lavish appointments of Scrooge’s bedroom, and the stark and minimalist main stage, where most of the action takes place, perhaps to emphasize the actors in Scrooge’s visions. Kathy Ferguson has once again done a marvelous job with the costumes. The audience should be prepared to sing religious Christmas carols along with the cast during intermission. “A Christmas Carol” runs weekends through December 14. Tickets are $8 to $12. Call 760-361-4151 for tickets and more information.
WE REVIEW “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” AT THEATRE 29
