A "Merry" Christmas Carol Story in Sierra Madre
Jackie Houchin
November 29, 2008
---Theatre Review
For an entertaining evening or afternoon of joyful music, colorful costumes, and a time-enduring story performed by a full cast of talented actors and singers on a beautifully designed set, don´t miss "A CHRISTMAS CAROL STORY" playing now at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.
More than just the familiar tale of Scrooge, Marley, the ghosts of three Christmases, and the poor Cratchit family, this production includes many extras, including visits from such storybook characters as Ali Baba and Robinson Crusoe, and several wonderfully staged tableaux that will remind the audience of Currier and Ives paintings.
The audience also will learn just how mean old Ebenezer Scrooge (played by John Szura) really is, as he evicts tenants, steals money from a beggar child, and crushes a flower seller´s posy beneath his heel.
The task of the three Spirits of Christmas (Claire Proft, Kirk Smith and Bryan Hale) is difficult indeed, as they show the penny-pinching Scrooge what has been, what is, and what will certainly come to pass… if he does not change.
But change he does! Scenes of merry dancing, playful games and happy family mealtimes bring deep regrets to Ebenezer Scrooge, while glimpses of his lost love, a crippled boy´s death and a grim graveyard marker strike fear in his heart.
On his knees he finally proclaims, "I´m a changed man. I will honor Christmas in my heart and keep it all the year!"
Other exceptional performances were given by talented newcomer to Sierra Madre, Jordan Byers (as Scrooge´s ever-cheerful nephew, Fred), Scotsman, Stuart Galbraith (who, with a delightful brogue, plays the endearing, mild-mannered Bob Cratchit), and Greg Philippi (as the foreboding, morose Jacob Marley).
Lovely traditional and Old English carols – performed in solos, duets and ensemble numbers – will lift the spirits of all who see this production. And how delightful it is to watch even the youngest cast members (Samantha Ozeas, Amy Lim, Allie Hodgen) singing heartily and never missing a word.
Sam Meinikov (Tiny Tim) sings an incredibly sweet stanza of "Away in the Manger" (the third stanza is especially appropriate for this story) accompanied on the harp by Tiffany Brevard (Martha Cratchit).
An especially outstanding rendition of "O, Holy Night" is sung by Bryan Hale (multiple roles) and Blanche Ramirez (Mrs. Cratchit).
The topping on the Christmas pudding is the final ensemble number… a hauntingly beautiful Christmas prayer, sweetly sung: Make us worthy to receive thy blessing. Make us one. We praise you, Oh Lord. We worship you, Oh Lord. We magnify you, Oh Lord!
Performances: Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00, Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:30,
Sunday evenings at 7:00, and Monday & Tuesday evenings (December 22-23 only) at 8:00 pm
Admission: All seats are $20 (groups of 15 or more; $17.50). Call (626) 256-3809.
Location: 87 Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, next to the delightfully decorated Town Square, with plenty of parking behind the theatre
For an entertaining evening or afternoon of joyful music, colorful costumes, and a time-enduring story performed by a full cast of talented actors and singers on a beautifully designed set, don´t miss "A CHRISTMAS CAROL STORY" playing now at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.
More than just the familiar tale of Scrooge, Marley, the ghosts of three Christmases, and the poor Cratchit family, this production includes many extras, including visits from such storybook characters as Ali Baba and Robinson Crusoe, and several wonderfully staged tableaux that will remind the audience of Currier and Ives paintings.
The audience also will learn just how mean old Ebenezer Scrooge (played by John Szura) really is, as he evicts tenants, steals money from a beggar child, and crushes a flower seller´s posy beneath his heel.
The task of the three Spirits of Christmas (Claire Proft, Kirk Smith and Bryan Hale) is difficult indeed, as they show the penny-pinching Scrooge what has been, what is, and what will certainly come to pass… if he does not change.
But change he does! Scenes of merry dancing, playful games and happy family mealtimes bring deep regrets to Ebenezer Scrooge, while glimpses of his lost love, a crippled boy´s death and a grim graveyard marker strike fear in his heart.
On his knees he finally proclaims, "I´m a changed man. I will honor Christmas in my heart and keep it all the year!"
Other exceptional performances were given by talented newcomer to Sierra Madre, Jordan Byers (as Scrooge´s ever-cheerful nephew, Fred), Scotsman, Stuart Galbraith (who, with a delightful brogue, plays the endearing, mild-mannered Bob Cratchit), and Greg Philippi (as the foreboding, morose Jacob Marley).
Lovely traditional and Old English carols – performed in solos, duets and ensemble numbers – will lift the spirits of all who see this production. And how delightful it is to watch even the youngest cast members (Samantha Ozeas, Amy Lim, Allie Hodgen) singing heartily and never missing a word.
Sam Meinikov (Tiny Tim) sings an incredibly sweet stanza of "Away in the Manger" (the third stanza is especially appropriate for this story) accompanied on the harp by Tiffany Brevard (Martha Cratchit).
An especially outstanding rendition of "O, Holy Night" is sung by Bryan Hale (multiple roles) and Blanche Ramirez (Mrs. Cratchit).
The topping on the Christmas pudding is the final ensemble number… a hauntingly beautiful Christmas prayer, sweetly sung: Make us worthy to receive thy blessing. Make us one. We praise you, Oh Lord. We worship you, Oh Lord. We magnify you, Oh Lord!
Performances: Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00, Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:30,
Sunday evenings at 7:00, and Monday & Tuesday evenings (December 22-23 only) at 8:00 pm
Admission: All seats are $20 (groups of 15 or more; $17.50). Call (626) 256-3809.
Location: 87 Sierra Madre Blvd, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, next to the delightfully decorated Town Square, with plenty of parking behind the theatre