Review: Good Spirits Abound in Hale Centre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Hale Centre Theatre has rolled out more than just the proverbial red carpet for its 12th annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. It has adorned the work with all the trimmings needed to dub it a glorious theatrical experience: Corrin Dietlein's lavish and exquisitely tailored costumes; David Dietlein's engineering of not just a set but of an environment, from point of entry to the walls surrounding the stage (facades of commercial enterprises and murals of local landmarks) that evokes the wintry London of 1843; the magical lighting effects coordinated by Jeff A. Davis; and, indubitably, a marvelous and engaging cast, featuring Mark Kleinman as Scrooge.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is way too well known a tale to recount in detail here. What truly deserves mention is the artistry and craftsmanship that has been invested in creating and sustaining a memorable theatrical tradition, which, in itself, has become Hale's ultimate Christmas gift to the community. Therefore, bravo to director David Dietlein, who has virtually grown up with the Theatre and is now its artistic director and president, for assembling the ingredients for a perfectly delicious seasonal treat. And credit too to Ted Lehman for his charming adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic ~ a work, including seasonally relevant and uplifting songs, that has endured over the years.

The popularity of the company's staging is such that Hale has scheduled 43(!) performances alternating between two casts, the "Red" and "Green." I saw the Green Cast, as I noted above, with Mark Kleinman as Scrooge. (The Scrooge of the Red Cast is Cory McCloskey, a Fox 10 meteorologist.)

Kleinman plays the role with precision, rendering a remarkably nuanced and balanced profile of Scrooge and revealing, layer by layer, the man's humanity.

Beside him and throughout the production is a gathering of gifted talents, each of whom is deserving of accolades ~ but the bottom line is that Hale's show is a truly and wholesome ensemble production. From the well-accented narrators, Marley's chain-dragging and bellowing ghost (Gary Caswell), and the good Bob Cratchit (Ben Mason) to the awesome specters of past, present, and future and the beloved Tiny Tim (Jared Mortensen), the chain of this show is as strong as its weakest link ~ and there are absolutely no weak links in Hale's A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL continues its run through December 24th ~ an exceptionally grand opportunity to gather the family and enjoy Dicken's message of charity to one's fellow man.

Photo credit to Nick Woodward-Shaw

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