BWW Blog: Jeffrey Sanzel - 'The Music That Makes Me Dance' or 'Ellen Michelmore: The Spirit of Music Presence'

It's called A Christmas CAROL.

As much a part of the script in our adaptation is Ellen Michelmore's brilliant musical work. From our first production together in 1989, Ellen began assembling a cornucopia of music: an underscore of classical pieces, Christmas Carols, original works of her own composition, and a vast number of sound effects-brought forth from multiple keyboards, cd players, body mics-and two cocoanuts with bells attached (some things cannot be bettered). It's not so much an orchestra pit as it is "mission control."

One year, she was even the voice of the Ghost of Christmas Past. It must have been like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins behind that screen.

When patrons arrive, it is the music that sets the spirit. The pre-show carols sung by the company evolved from a mini-concert to lobby carols to a beautiful medley that was added for the 25th anniversary production.

From the moment the play begins, whether a minor "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" or a series of industrial clanks (or a combination of both), the tone is established. Cinematically, the entire show is underscored-there is barely a moment that does not have some auditory enhancement-guiding the journey, musically directing the show's path from darkness to light (a bit of a mixed metaphor but you get the idea).

These pieces are deeply engrained; I believe the play would come to a halt without them. This carol ends on that line ... this bridge segues into this scene ... this blessing comes on that word ... thunder crash-lights ... this note comes-and-sit ... (Sometimes I feel that I have become Pavlov's dog-ring the bell, I'll say the line).

For those of you who have seen and heard Ellen play, you know that she plays with her entire being. She embodies the music-passion and spirit.

And like the ever-evolving script, so goes the music. There has not been a season when Ellen hasn't revised or re-envisioned. Beyond that, Ellen is the other pair of eyes and ears. Having witnessed twenty plus years and hundreds and hundreds of performances, no one knows the production better. If she has a note, there is no doubt that it is correct. If she makes a suggestion, it's always right.

Ellen is currently on health leave and two very talented musicians are filling in: Michael Santangelo (who had subbed performances over the last two years) and Jackson Kohl. Like the actors, I often pity them as I have become so trained by this score that I can't make a move without the accompaniment. Both Michael and Jackson have done wonderful work, maintaining the extraordinary work that Ellen has done.

Looking over this entry, I realize that I have not done real justice to who Ellen is. To know her is to care for her, marvel at her, and draw inspiration from her. Over the last several years, the universe has flung unbelievable challenges at this remarkable individual. For those of us fortunate enough to work with her, we know that she is a great artist, a warm person, and the epitome of a strong and generous human being. The best I can say is that she brings herself-this light-to her art ... and no more could we ask.

Photo: Scrooge's Theme composed by Ellen Michelmore for Theatre Three's production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Used with permission of the composer

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