It’s the most wonderful time of the year — a time that we eat and drink to abandon, shop ‘til we drop, and do time honored traditions that we’ve done countless times before.
For many of us, it isn’t Christmas without the yearly retelling of “A Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ great story of rebirth and redemption on Christmas Eve.
North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly opened its musical ghost story last week and it runs through December 21. Starring David Coffee as miserly Scrooge , the initial setting is London in the early 1860s, roughly 20 years after Dickens wrote his story.
As the story unfolds and the Narrator takes us back in time, settings include a London street, Scrooge’s chambers and counting house, and locations which appear in Scrooge’s dream. Fantastic images of clocks are everywhere. Three are quite large, and figure prominently at the beginning and end of each stave.
…Scrooge’s magnificent transformation comes about because of three spirits who visit him in his dream. In the first street scene, which takes place in London on December 24, 1843, the audience meets the dream characters as their mortal counterparts. For example, Mrs. Cratchit, symbol of memory, home, motherhood and love, will become the Spirit of Christmas Past in Stave II. Londoner 1, a philanthropist collecting money for the poor, will become the Spirit of Christmas Present, symbol of generosity and abundance in Stave III.
In his Stave IV nightmare, Scrooge sees the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come personified as his younger self at the pivotal point in his life, when he rejected his only love, Belle.
Throughout the play, instrumental arrangements of carols and original music underscore all scenic transitions, and several scenes with dialogue, much like a film’s soundtrack. Additionally, original music and thematic underscoring have been composed for certain scenes or specific characters.
Contains sudden loud noises, strobing/flashing/moving lights, and dark imagery. NSMT encourages you to use your judgment based on your own research of the show, your sensibilities, and a child’s age and maturity level.
For tickets visit https://tickets.nsmt.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=christmascarol&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id= or the box office at 62 Dunham Road, Beverly.
Adapted by Main Stage Artistic Director, Troy Siebels, The Hanover Theatre in Worcester proudly presents its 18th annual production of “A Christmas Carol.” Playing December 17-28, all are invited to experience the classic family favorite in a whole new way this holiday season with a completely reimagined set, new music, choreography, lighting, and projections!
Award-winning set designer, Kelly James Tighe brings the show to new heights with fresh scenery creating the perfect playground for state-of-the art projections and innovative lighting design. New York based, John Little, reprises the epic role of Ebenezer Scrooge noted to be “simply marvelous as the bitter old cheapskate” (METRMag).
Featuring original music composed by Worcester’s own Steve Gagliastro, this festive holiday favorite is accompanied by the Mighty Wurlitzer for “A Christmas Carol” that is timeless, nostalgic, and one-of-a-kind.
Get seated early to enjoy a special pre-show concert featuring the largest and most versatile theatre pipe organ in New England, led by organist Sean Redrow.
Please note: Theatrical fog and haze, dynamic lighting, and loud sound effects are used during the performance. These elements help bring the story to life. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
For tickets visit: https://tickets.thehanovertheatre.org/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=christmascarol25&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::context_id= or the box office.
Nancye Tuttle’s email is [email protected].
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