BWW Reviews: The Alley Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL - A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS is Hauntingly Delightful and Heartwarming

While Thanksgiving is right around the corner, holiday festivities are commencing in full force. For many Houston theater goers, the highlight of the holiday season is the Alley Theatre's infamous production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL - A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS. Michael Wilson's imaginative stage adaptation of the Charles Dicken's classic A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, is celebrating its 24th year and continues to be a spectacle that is hauntingly delightful and heartwarming. With family-friendly thrills, chills, and a hearty dose of laughter, this festive production remains a holiday favorite.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL - A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS is the spirited and redemptive tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Leading a cast that plays more than thirty characters, James Black's direction is seamless and comprehensive. He successfully delivers a creepy eeriness that is reminiscent of a good ghost story, but he also incorporates elements of humor and endearment, making the play the perfect holiday fare. Effectively balancing an ethereal ambience with intimately heartfelt moments, James Black creates a mesmerizing production that brings to life the beloved classic.

Choreography by Hope Clarke successfully enhances the mood of the play. Her choreography in such scenes as the Fezziwig Christmas party merrily resonates with 19th century London. However, it is the choreography of the six apparitions that lingers with the audience long after the show has ended. Their spectral movements around the stage are both delightful and frightening.

Reprising the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, Jeffrey Bean delivers a wonderfully multifaceted performance. He fully commits as the penny-pinching curmudgeon, successfully presenting the audience with a wholly disdainful character. As he begins to transform, he dynamically portrays his moments of uncertainty and self-realization with a sophisticated sincerity. Jeffrey Bean captivates the audience early on, taking them on his journey of redemption, and making his final change of character much anticipated and fully rewarding.

Also reprising his dual roles as Mrs. Dilber and Jacob Marley, John Feltch continues to be an audience favorite. His portrayal of Scrooge's housemaid Mrs. Dilber provides the play with much of its humor and elicits a hearty dose of laughter as he crafts a cheeky female character that lies somewhere between the realm of feminine and masculine. Incidentally, John Feltch's performance as Jacob Marley continues to be one of the most fearsome and visceral moments of the production.

Playing Mary Pidgeon, the doll vendor, and Spirit of Christmas Past, Leah Curney is positively winsome. As Mary Pidgeon she adequately portrays a woman who is down on her luck and in need of generosity. As the Spirit of Christmas Past, she floods the stage with her infectious laugh and serves as the charming guide through many of Scrooge's past Christmas memories. Leah Curney produces an alluring character, infusing her role with a blunt sense of humor and loving demeanor.

David Rainey is charismatic and jovial in his dual roles as Bert the fruit and cider vendor and the Spirit of Christmas Present. As Bert, he delivers a hearty dose of personality as he barters with Scrooge. In his role of Spirit of Christmas Present, his jolly disposition gives the audience a hearty dose of humor and merriment. As he shows Ebenezer all of the things that are happening during the present holiday and, in turn, the true spirit of Christmas, David Rainey's performance is lively and warmhearted. His amiable nature makes his dark warning to Scrooge compellingly stark and memorable.

Chris Hutchison's portrayal of the watchworks vendor, Mr. Marvel, is delightfully eccentric. He captivates the audience with his quirky ideas and crafty industrial designs, while simultaneously earning our sympathy as he interacts with Scrooge. Conversely, in his role of Spirit of Christmas Future, Chris Hutchison is imposing and terrifying.

Jay Sullivan delivers a positively affable and energetic performance as Fred, Ebenezer Scrooge's hopeful nephew. He is endearing as he spreads holiday cheer and kindness while on stage. Also playing Scrooge at Age 21, Jay Sullivan effectively crafts a detached and impassive character.

Philip Lehl reprises his role as Bob Cratchit with a heartwarming candor. He wins the audience over with his consistently positive and optimistic demeanor.

As a whole, the cast excels at creating a cohesive and magical evening of theatre. The six apparitions played by Beth Lazarou, Adam Gibbs, Ellen Dyer, Raven Troup, Dylan Godwin, and Mitchell Greco set the stage for a haunting tale and are wonderfully frightening with every appearance. Other memorable performances include James Belcher's merry Mr. Fezziwig, Emily Neves' heartbroken Belle, Melissa Pritchett's nurturing Mrs. Cratchit, Beth Lazarou's effervescent portrayal as Fred's Sister-In-Law, and Dylan Godwin as Mr. Topper. Furthermore, the cast is comprised of several outstanding performers and wonderfully talented children from the greater Houston community, each fully committing to their role in this enchanting production. Every cast member, including those that have not yet been named, brings this classic to life, breathing fresh air into one of Houston's favorite holiday shows.

While little has changed in this production, the technical aspects of this show continue to delight year after year. Tony Straiges' Scenic Design is effectively versatile using cleverly fashioned set pieces to reconstruct Victorian London. Rui Rita's Lighting Design successfully builds the ambience of the show, efficiently capturing both the lighter and darker tones of the production. Costume Design by Alejo Vietti is simply spectacular. Each cast member is clothed with an unique and period appropriate ensemble. Additionally, Costume Design for each of the Spirits is imaginative and whimsical.

While the Alley Theatre is celebrating its 24th annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL - A GHOST STORY OF CHRISTMAS, this year's production is nothing short of wonderful. This classic tale continues to dazzle with the magic of Christmas and is a holiday treat for first time viewers and returning audiences alike.

A CHRISTIMAS CAROL - A GHOST SOTRY OF CHRISTMAS is recommended and great for audiences 6 and up. This year's production runs now through Thursday, December 26, 2013. For more information and tickets, please visit http://www.alleytheatre.org/ or call (713) 220 - 5700. Groups of 10 or more may be eligible to receive concierge services and select discounts. Call (713) 220 - 5700 and ask for the group sales department.

Photos by Mike McCormick, T. Charles Erickson, and Jann Whaley. Photos courtesy of Alley Theatre.

(L-R) Jeffrey Bean as Ebenezer Scrooge and John Feltch as Mrs. Dilber. Photo by Mike McCormick.

The Company in the Alley Theatre's A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Leah Curney as Spirit of Christmas Past. Photo by Jann Whaley.

David Rainey as Spirit of Christmas Present. Photo by Mike McCormick.

Chris Hutchison as Mr. Marvel.Photo by Jann Whaley.

(L-R) Leah Curney as Mary Pidgeon, Chris Hutchison as Mr. Marvel and David Rainey as Bert. Photo by Jann Whaley.

To post a comment, you must register and login.