"Scrooge! The Musical," Leslie Bricusse's adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," is a holiday delight at Theatre at the Center in Munster.
Directed by William Pullinsi, this exciting tale of the miserable miser Ebenezer Scrooge (James Harms) is fun for the whole family. Classically set in London in the mid-1800s, the play begins as idealistic Nephew Harry (Jonathan Lynch, a brilliantly versatile actor) commiserates with Bob Cratchit (played well by Mark Larson) that Scrooge is a grouch and a cheapskate.
With such remarkably transformed sets by Scenic Designer Jack Magaw - the storefronts have surprisingly realistic-looking windows and even the floor is covered to look like an old street - it's easy to become immersed in the story. It is easy to stay immersed, because "A Christmas Carol" has never been so lively as it is in "Scrooge! The Musical."
Even Scrooge himself, a man who would never have been caught singing would be impressed at Harms' strong vocals as he performs "No Better Life," giving us a glimpse into the mind of Scrooge. Singing aside, the Scrooge character is still a man we can love to hate - especially as the ensemble performs the delightfully clever song "Father Christmas."
As Scrooge begins to realize something is amiss this Christmas Eve, creepy sound effects and theatrical haze set the stage for the first entrance of the late Jacob Marley (Dale Benson, who brings a whole new level of menace to the character). Eerily made up to be white as a ghost and wearing a long chain baring the links of his unsatisfying life (one of many great pieces by Props Master Katie Seibel), Marley is there to frighten Scrooge and warn him of the three visitors he'll face. And they come - first, the Ghost of Christmas Past (played by the lovely Meg Miller), who reminds Scrooge that he once enjoyed his life working for Fezziwig (John Riley, with delightful enthusiasm) and had love in his heart for his sweetheart, Isabel (played fiercely by Audrey Billings).
Choreography by Stacey Flaster in "December the Twenty-Fifth" is breathtaking (and is outstanding throughout the show). Then, the witty Ghost of Christmas Present (Larry Adams, with brilliant vocals) arrives on an ornate moving throne to encourage Scrooge to enjoy life. A glimpse into the current Christmas activities reveals the adorably hopeful Kathy (Brianna Konrad) and Tiny Tim (Liam Byrnes) enjoying what little they have. As the family prepares to dine, Tiny Tim sings "The Beautiful Day" (revealing Byrnes exceptional vocal talent). But when the Ghost of Christmas Yet-To-Come (Phil Higgins) arrives as a phantom and shows Scrooge the hell that awaits him, Scrooge may have a chance to rethink his misdeeds.
Backed by a phenomenal orchestra conducted by William A. Underwood, "Scrooge! The Musical" is a joyous event to attend this holiday season - with family, with friends or with someone special. "Scrooge! The Musical" runs through Dec. 23 at Theatre at the Center.
Originally published in The Chronicle in November 2007.
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