ACT - A Contemporary Theatre presents its 38th annual production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted by Gregory A. Falls. This year, A Christmas Carol is directed by John Langs with Artistic Director Kurt Beattie returning to play Ebenezer Scrooge, in alternating performances with first timer Peter Crook making his first appearance in the role. Also new to the cast, G. Valmont Thomas, who's performance in 'Master Harold and the Boys,' just earned him the 2013 Gregory Award for Outstanding Actor. Mr. Thomas recently returned to Seattle after a long stint at Oregon Shakespeare Festival and will take on the charismatic role of Spirit 2 (Ghost of Christmas Present).
ACT - A Contemporary Theatre presents its 38th annual production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted by Gregory A. Falls. This year, A Christmas Carol is directed by John Langs with Artistic Director Kurt Beattie returning to play Ebenezer Scrooge, in alternating performances with first timer Peter Crook making his first appearance in the role. Also new to the cast, G. Valmont Thomas, who's performance in "Master Harold and the Boys," just earned him the 2013 Gregory Award for Outstanding Actor. Mr. Thomas recently returned to Seattle after a long stint at Oregon Shakespeare Festival and will take on the charismatic role of Spirit 2 (Ghost of Christmas Present).
OK, at times it was a little long winded; too many songs and a little over reaching in getting its message across. But beyond that Strawberry Theatre Workshop's production of "This Land - Woody Guthrie" manages to transcend the music and the message and land itself into a realm of charming and simple grace.
This is not Liza's "Cabaret". This ain't even the edgier Alan Cumming version. The new Schoolyard production of Cabaret currently playing at Re-bar is a different animal entirely. With its more contemporary rock orchestrations and in your face style this production of the Kander and Ebb classic sometimes feels a bit forced into a new mold forsaking the spirit of the original but also manages some amazing moments of clarity of story and brilliant staging.
