'A Christmas Carol - The Musical' Preview at the Orpheum Theatre

A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite Christmas tales. Who can resist a tear when Tiny Tim utters the words, “God bless us, everyone.”

With special effects, colorful costumes, and traditional and original songs, the musical set to premier is an original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. The Un-Common Theatre Company and Bay Colony Productions presented a preview Saturday evening with approximately 200 family members and friends in the audience.

The lights dim, the theatre goes dark and you are in the magical world of A Christmas Carol. A rousing Christmas number is sung by the Ensemble and toward the end of it enters Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Fred Armstrong. Armstrong gives Scrooge a hunkered-down, angry-old-man look and feel. His Bah Humbug is resounding as he storms through the chorus of performers. Scrooge is an unhappy man indeed. 

Once the ghost of Jacob Marley – played wonderfully by Mark Chabot – enters, Scrooge is transformed again into a terrified old man. Marley is joined by three ghosts and they sing and tap dance around Scrooge and his bed. The moment is a sight to behold. Marley's costume is worth mentioning as it is covered in chains and money boxes. In fact, the costumes for the entire cast are very well done and hold-up well with all the smoke and fog surrounding the actors on stage.

Directed and choreographed by Michael Hammond with musical and orchestra directed by Paula Bishop, the musical was a huge hit with those in attendance.  Patch was in the audience and had the opportunity to speak to cast members and several patrons in the audience.

“We have been coming for a few years and absolutely love it,” said Maureen and Scott Taggard. We are very proud of our niece; she has absolutely blossomed under the direction of The Uncommon Theater.” 

Bill Cunningham, Executive Director of the Orpheum Theater looks forward to the annual production.

“It is wonderful to see a co-production of two companies of families and friends coming together to experience such a heart-warming holiday tradition,’’ he said.  “The children and adults get to experience direction from professional directors and choreographers as well as getting their hair and make-up applied by professional make-up and hair artists.” 

Ryan Goodwin, a theater hand who has worked at the theater for three years, remarked, "The tech aspect was seamless...the lighting was fantastic.  I was very impressed with the whole production.”

This year, A Christmas Carol - The Musical is truly a family affair; Scrooge, played by Fred Armstrong is thrilled to be performing with his daughter, Katie Armstrong.  Katie plays the Ghost of Christmas Future.  The DiPietro Family, Carol, Lou and Louie all have roles in the play and are excited to be performing together. 

Cara, twelve years old has been a cast member four years.  “Being a part of the Un-Common Theatre has allowed me to break-out of my shell and make new friends.”  When asked what she thought she might be doing when she’s twenty-one, she answered:  “Living in New York and being on Broadway.”  After watching her performance, we believe she will.