BWW Reviews: EBENEZER at Resorts Casino Hotel

You may wonder why the Ocean Professional Theatre Company's holiday offering EBENEZER is being presented in an Atlantic City casino showroom. Well, it seems that the show lost its original Manahawkin venue and Resorts Hotel and Casino came to the rescue with an offer to use their Screening Room. By the way, if the term 'screening room' conjures up images of a sterile corporate multiplex, think again. This charming 350-seat theatre is one of the oldest performance spaces in Atlantic City, dating back to 1912. Despite being located on the 13th floor of the Hotel's Ocean Tower, the Screening Room is a jewel box setting in which to present one of the holiday's most enduring classics.

This sort of family-driven entertainment is exactly what Atlantic City sorely needs at the moment. The allure of casino gambling that was so promising in 1978 (when Resorts was the first to open its gaming floor), has now faded with rampant legalization of casinos in neighboring states. A third of Atlantic City's casinos have closed this year alone, with Resorts' neighbor the Taj Mahal next on the chopping block. Many have said that family-friendly entertainment - theatrical or otherwise - may be the light at the end of the tunnel for the legendary shore town. After all, during the Golden Age of Broadway Atlantic City was a popular stop for out-of-town tryouts. Along with the revitalization of such entertainment staples like Steel Pier, what could be more natural than live theatre to promote tourism? Shows like EBENEZER are a step in that direction.

Subtitled 'A Musical Christmas Carol,' EBENEZER is yet another variation on the Charles Dickens classic. The English author first wrote the story in 1843 as a sort of morality tale, describing it as 'a ghost story of Christmas.' This adaptation by Ian Desmond O'Connell is generally faithful to Mr. Dickens, with an original score by William Mearns (music) and Rosemary Novellino-Mearns (lyrics). The songs are genial enough and inserted in all the usual places in the narrative. The Fezziwig party, for example, features the rousing "He Kept Christmas Well," and is one of the show's highlights. Director Paula Sloan excels at ensemble movement (she previously staged 42nd STREET at Resorts) and when the full company is singing, dancing, or just bustling about, EBENEZER is at its best.

This is a chamber production, which means that the 'full company' consists of just 17 performers who play more than 55 characters. Naturally, the only person absent from quick change booth is the title miser, played by David Discenza. Even Bob Cratchit (Andrew Foote) indulges in some wig-swapping during the show's 100 intermission-less minutes. In most cases, this sort of economy stretches the abilities of the mostly-youthful cast nearly to the breaking point. But amidst the character-driven chaos there are two talented young performers who stand out for their simple, refreshingly heartfelt performances - as well as their clear, warm voices. As Young Ebenezer and Belle, Logan Farine and Brittany Santos show rare chemistry in their blush of first love, as well as the difficulty of parting when Ebenezer chooses his bankbook over his betrothed. It may be a Christmas cliché, but their theatrical futures look bright.

The production is staged using minimal scenery, but is gorgeously outfitted in a glorious array of Victorian costumes. Tiered capes, top hats, and colorful gowns evoke Christmas cards sent from 19th century London. Just as excellent is the show's magical lighting. As sophisticated as it is colorful, the lighting enhances most every nook and cranny of Scrooge's holiday adventure. While lighting helps make the Spirits of Past, Present, and Future seem other-worldly, the sound design adds its own special magic toward making the ethereal specters come alive. There's even a couple of clever special effects to add atmosphere to the ghostly visitations.

Although the location of this production was a last minute Christmas miracle, it would be wonderful if more such shows could take up residence in Atlantic City. Like Scrooge, the City is facing three ghosts: its fabled past, its troubled present, and its hopeful future. Let's pray that the city fathers can turn that hopeful future into a reality. God bless them, every one.

EBENEZER continues its run December 17 and 18 at 3:30pm and December 20 at 7:30pm. For tickets or information contact Ocean Professional Theatre Company at 609-312-8306 or visit www.oceantheatre.org. Group rates and dinner packages are also available.