"A Christmas Carol" in Glendale
Jackie Houchin
December 04, 2008
"A Christmas Carol" in Glendale
Theater review
The Glendale Centre Theatre rings in the holiday season with an all new adaptation of Charles Dickensī A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Packed with traditional carols and music, beautiful period costumes, lively dancing, special effects, and a cast of extraordinary players, itīs a family holiday treasure that wonīt disappoint.
Mario DiGregorio plays the "covetous, clutching" Ebenezer Scrooge with such clever humor and style, that one nearly forgets how dastardly the old fellow was. Reprising the role for the 33rd time, DiGregorio has it down pat and is free to exhibit all those unique expressions and mannerisms that make him so beloved by holiday audiences.
James Betteridge nicely reprises the role of the poor, but good-natured Bob Cratchit; James Warnock performs an impressive ghost of Jacob Marley, laden down with the chains of his own making, and Don Woodruff is diverse as the generous Mr. Fezziwig and the conniving Old Joe.
A very young Harry Peterson in the role of the Tiny Tim tugs at hearts as he hobbles on stage or is carried about on his fatherīs shoulder. Peterson is just one of many young and talented children in this production.
Travis Dietlein, who plays the boy Scrooge left alone at boarding school, sings a poignant (and surely original) song about going home for Christmas. Itīs a joyful reunion when his sister, Little Fan (Jenna Worley) arrives to make that "dream" come true.
There are many more delightful changes in this yearīs production, such as the scene where Belle (Leslie Rivera) witnesses first hand the callous greed of her fiancé, the young Ebenezer (Patrick McMahon) when he ignores a poor manīs desperate pleas.
A more playful incident occurs at the Cratchit family dinner, when the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present takes (and eats!) a piece of pumpkin pie. Poor Peter Cratchit (Tanner Arden) gets the blame!
As all Dickens lovers know, Scrooge does change his miserly ways. In a bright courtyard scene early Christmas morning, he encounters the people heīs shunned or cheated and surprises them with good cheer and generous gifts.
After the playīs narrators confirm that Scrooge has indeed reformed, promising always to keep Christmas in his heart, the story closes with Tiny Timīs traditional "God bless us everyone!"
Thoroughly entertained and in a holiday mood, the audience leaves the theater, accompanied by joyful caroling and flurries of falling snow. (No kidding!)
A CHRISTMAS CAROL plays Monday-Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm; Sunday matinees at 1:00 pm; and Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm; now through December 23.
Ticket prices range from $21.00 - $28.00. Call for reservations: (818) 244-8481.
The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at: 324 N. Orange Street, Glendale, CA 91203
Theater review
The Glendale Centre Theatre rings in the holiday season with an all new adaptation of Charles Dickensī A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Packed with traditional carols and music, beautiful period costumes, lively dancing, special effects, and a cast of extraordinary players, itīs a family holiday treasure that wonīt disappoint.
Mario DiGregorio plays the "covetous, clutching" Ebenezer Scrooge with such clever humor and style, that one nearly forgets how dastardly the old fellow was. Reprising the role for the 33rd time, DiGregorio has it down pat and is free to exhibit all those unique expressions and mannerisms that make him so beloved by holiday audiences.
James Betteridge nicely reprises the role of the poor, but good-natured Bob Cratchit; James Warnock performs an impressive ghost of Jacob Marley, laden down with the chains of his own making, and Don Woodruff is diverse as the generous Mr. Fezziwig and the conniving Old Joe.
A very young Harry Peterson in the role of the Tiny Tim tugs at hearts as he hobbles on stage or is carried about on his fatherīs shoulder. Peterson is just one of many young and talented children in this production.
Travis Dietlein, who plays the boy Scrooge left alone at boarding school, sings a poignant (and surely original) song about going home for Christmas. Itīs a joyful reunion when his sister, Little Fan (Jenna Worley) arrives to make that "dream" come true.
There are many more delightful changes in this yearīs production, such as the scene where Belle (Leslie Rivera) witnesses first hand the callous greed of her fiancé, the young Ebenezer (Patrick McMahon) when he ignores a poor manīs desperate pleas.
A more playful incident occurs at the Cratchit family dinner, when the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present takes (and eats!) a piece of pumpkin pie. Poor Peter Cratchit (Tanner Arden) gets the blame!
As all Dickens lovers know, Scrooge does change his miserly ways. In a bright courtyard scene early Christmas morning, he encounters the people heīs shunned or cheated and surprises them with good cheer and generous gifts.
After the playīs narrators confirm that Scrooge has indeed reformed, promising always to keep Christmas in his heart, the story closes with Tiny Timīs traditional "God bless us everyone!"
Thoroughly entertained and in a holiday mood, the audience leaves the theater, accompanied by joyful caroling and flurries of falling snow. (No kidding!)
A CHRISTMAS CAROL plays Monday-Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm; Sunday matinees at 1:00 pm; and Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm; now through December 23.
Ticket prices range from $21.00 - $28.00. Call for reservations: (818) 244-8481.
The Glendale Centre Theatre is located at: 324 N. Orange Street, Glendale, CA 91203
Print
Email
