By Gerry Falco
“A Christmas Carol – The Musical” – White Plains Performing Arts Center
This timeless Dickens story made musical was originally presented by Radio City Entertainment and presented at the Theater at Madison Square Garden for several years before ending in 2003. The original music and creative and witty lyrics were the respective creations of Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens. The show was originally directed by Mike Ockrent and choreographed by Susan Stroman.
This effervescent production at the White Plains Performing Arts Center features musical direction, set, lighting props, sound and all elements of staging from scratch. In a word, the production is masterful. The play consists of thirteen scenes without intermission. This works out well considering present Covid restrictions. In any event, the show is fast moving so that an intermission would seemingly break the mood. The only downside was the occasional and unavoidable mid-scene lavatory needs of some of the little ones in the audience.
One would likely have to travel to Mars or beyond to find someone familiar with the Christmas holiday but unfamiliar with the plot of this classic tale. Our souls are awakened every holiday season with the Christmas spirit, the reminder that kindness and charity are all that matter in the end. In his writing, Dickens presented us with one of the most beautiful passages in the English language; “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
So, since we are all familiar with the plot in advance, it’s reasonable to then ask what is there to keep our attention? Actually, there is a lot to unpack. The direction of Frank Portanova and the choreography of Lexie Fennell Frare is tight and seamless. The show features a ginormous cast which collectively seems to be on stage during the entire presentation. The lead part of Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Ryan Knowles who draws you into his role immediately. His deep rich voice is reminiscent of Boris Karloff, the voice behind the animated “Grinch Who Stole Christmas”. (And sure enough, Mr. Knowles has been credited with playing that role in the past). The talent is deep, and the lead parts are excellently played. Ellisha Marie, who plays the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present, draws in the audience with her modern twist of the ghostly role. And a shout out also to the operatic voice of Stephanie Bacastow in her role as Emily, (Scrooge’s unrequited love from his past). And of course, the several children involved in the production display a lot of early talent. (They are also adorable).
But it is the complex choreography and the near perfect harmonies in the many choreographed chorus pieces that bring power to this presentation. The intricate dance numbers even include tap and ballet numbers. The eye-catching set design by Christopher and Justin Swader is eye catching and is as professional as could be found in any like production. The mood is set with intricate lighting by Jamie Roderick, high quality sound design by Jon Weston and the multi-piece orchestra directed by Stephen Ferri. And did I mention the beautiful and colorful period costumes that were from the original and long running Radio City presentation?
What holds the audience’s attention throughout is the combination of all these things. In many of the scenes the brightly costumed cast members are singing and dancing across the beautiful set, sometimes in different directions and often in one beautiful harmony with electric enthusiasm as if each scene was a finale. There is so much to take in. So yes. This is a production very worthy of family entertainment. The play runs about an hour and forty-five minutes and runs through December 30th.
For information on tickets click here https://wppac.com/