The story of Ebenenzer Scrooge and his discovery of the true meaning of Christmas must be the most-performed stage show ever. The show has been staged numerous times in our area, and theatre groups are always looking for a way to give the show a fresh spin.
One of the newest versions of that story is on display at Huntington’s City Hall auditorium as Fifth Avenue Theatre Company presents the musical version of “A Christmas Carol.” If you missed it this weekend, there are three more shows being staged next Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The show features a huge cast, including some of the area’s best performers. Schoch Donahoe tackles the part of Scrooge, and does a great job (although it takes a moment to get used to seeing Scrooge singing). Playing the ghost of his old partner Marley is Mark Near, who leads a terrific number and lugs a huge chain around at the same time (and the chain is very real and very heavy - talk about method acting)!
Veteran performer Tommy Smirl turns in his usual excellent job as Scrooge’s employee Bob Crachit, and Caleb Donahoe and Sydney Pay perform a sweet duet as Young Scrooge and his sister Fan. The Ghosts of Past, Present and Future are brought to life by Jessica Maier, Paul Neace and Kerri Easter.
There are quite a few fun dance numbers and songs along the way, but the show really hits its stride when Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, played with delightful gusto by Clint McElroy and Linda Reynolds, kick off their Christmas party.
The company has put together an energetic and fun-filled version of the holiday classic - special kudos to director Mary Smirl for tackling such a herculean task. “A Christmas Carol” is a notoriously difficult show to stage, and the directors, the cast and the tech crew have done some amazing work to make this one happen. A special tip o' the top hat to orchestra leader Mark Smith and his band - as always, they're awesome!
There are those who claim Charles Dickens "saved" Christmas by popularizing the holiday with his famous story (first published on Dec. 19, 1843). That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it sure wouldn’t seem like Christmas with the “Carol.”
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