Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL - Rocks The Holiday

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Dave Steakley, currently playing at ZACH Theatre, is a stellar way to celebrate the holidays. Reimagined as a musical with contemporary songs and performed by a Broadway caliber cast, Dickens' classic has never been more entertaining.
I admit to being a fan of Charles Dickens. Since my childhood, I have read and reread his novels and novellas too many times to count. As an annual tradition, I pull out my tattered copy of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and revel in the wonderful characters, pointed social commentary and redemption that is its hallmark. Beginning with its publication in 1843, A CHRISTMAS CAROL became an instant sensation and has never been out of print in the 172 intervening years.The story of cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge (Harvey Guion) has been modernized in a dozen different ways but none as satisfying as Steakley's adaption. This version manages to add depth and pure joy to the seasonal classic.
Scrooge's nephew, Fred (Michael Valentine) opens the show with Sir Paul McCartney's WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME, and indeed it is. The visual stunning Steampunk set by Bob Lavalee, is transformed with the ensemble creating a delightful street scene. Valentine is amazing and sets the tone for what's to come. There are so many show stopping numbers like Michael Jackson's MAN IN THE MIRROR sung magnificently by Marley (Roderick Sanford), Whitney Houston's I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODY sung by Belle (Leslie Ann Leal) and O HOLY NIGHT sung by Bob Cratchit (Paul Sanchez). The Ghosts give glorious performances, both The Ghost of Christmas Past (Kenny Williams) and The Ghost of Christmas Present (Chanel Hayes-Schwartz) are like watching an episode of AMERICAN IDOL, every note is perfection. Costumer Susan Branch Towne's costumes are a feast for the eyes. The Lighting Design by Sarah Maines is simply magical, capturing the mood of every scene. Choreography by Christa Oliver-Torres is excellent and well executed by even the youngest cast member. Between Steakley's vision and the cast's dazzling execution, the audience is in for a rare treat, a holiday show that is neither dumbed down nor boring.
I give my highest recommendation to ZACH Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, give yourself an early present and see this wonderful show.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens, Adapted and Directed by Dave Steakley
ZACH Theater, Topfer Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd, Austin
December 3 - 27
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 20 minutes, including one 20 minute intermission.
TICKETS: $25 to $80 zachtheatre.org

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