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2010
REVAMPED!
A CHICAGO CHRISTMAS CAROL
Book and Music
by William A. Reilly
Lyrics by Gary Lamb
directed by Brent Beerman
Opens November 19th
runs through December 19th
Thurs. Fri. and Sat @ 8pm,
Sun @ 3pm & 7pm
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CLICK HERE TO GO TO BROWNPAPERTICKETS.COM AND BUY TIX!
Crown City Theatre @
St. Matthew's Church
11031 Camarillo St. in NoHo
(West of the Lankershim/Vineland intersection)
Click here for a map
For Ticket Info:
Call: 818-605-5685
REVIEWS OF THE 2010 PRODUCTION!
A Chicago Christmas Carol by Sheryl Scarborough - SOCAL.COM
Jobs are scarce and families with children are being tossed out of their homes… into the freezing cold… on Christmas Eve. This scene could easily be mistaken for the December 2010 news updates on CNN but as the lights dim, the music starts and the cast begins to sing, it becomes something way more magical.
A Chicago Christmas Carol is a musical retelling of the holiday classic but instead of Victorian England the setting is the 1906 Chicago world that Upton Sinclair, Jr. wrote about in his novel The Jungle . Sinclair set out to expose the harsh working conditions of the meat packing industry at a time of horrifying poverty in an America devoid of social programs. The political commentary of this storyline is a perfect mash-up with the hard-hearted greed of A Christmas Carol .
The hybrid script is smartly adapted and well-written by William A. Reilly. There are changes to the story, of course, but you should experience them on your own. The Lyrics, by Gary Lamb, adds a special layer to the production. The stage direction and costumes are equally impressive. But what really makes this play worth seeing, even during the hectic holiday season, is the cast. It's a large, enthusiastic cast with top notch acting and impressive voices.
Some outstanding performances include Gary Lamb as Scrooge. He was able to convey shriveling disdain with nothing more than a hand gesture. Dave Berges as Scrooge's partner, Jacob Marley, was transcendent. Normally Marley is a big, fat, downtrodden drag. But not in the hands of Berges', he delivered an almost giddy anticipation of Scrooge's impending descent into Hell. Paton Ashbrook as Isabella Fezziwig, Scrooge's love, gave two heartbreaking performances. One before Scrooge betrays her (because we know he will); and then one after (when we know how he crushed her.) Both renditions were finely crafted and delicately portrayed.
Pamela Taylor, Anne Mannal and Misha Bouvion played ‘The Whores' (as well as multiple other characters) but their rendition of The Whore Song is not to be missed.
Don Grigware – for Broadwayworld.com 5 out of 5 stars
“With a plethora of reproductions of Charles Dickens ' most famous work, it is nice to see one that stands tall, remaining faithful to the original story and introducing a slightly new slant...and with music too. Crown City Theatre's A Chicago Christmas Carol is one big Christmas present to the entire community, reminding one and all of the urgency of humility and generosity.
Set in Chicago in 1908, Scrooge (Gary Lamb) is in charge of a meat packing company, originated in partnership with Jacob Marley (Dave Berges) and Mr. Fezziwig (Kevin Michael Moran ). He is also a landlord, evicting impoverished tenants left and right without the teeniest bit of conscience. Most of the story is in tact as we know it from Dickens, but in this version Freddy Munson (Paul Marchegiani) is Scrooge's nephew and the Cratchits are not related to Scrooge, but Bob (also Kevin Michael Moran ) is still in his employ. Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Marley and the three spirits of past, present and future... and the outcome remains, indeed, a happy one.
Lamb is a delight as Scrooge, never going over the top, but making him thoroughly unlikeable until the last chapter. Berges is terrific as Marley. With beanpole height he towers over Scrooge making his ghostly chain shaking scene frightening and funny simultaneously. Louis Silvers is a hoot as the Ghost of Christmas Present, milking and savoring each and every word and gesture. Among the ladies, outstanding contributions are made by Paton Ashbrook as Isabella Fezziwig, Susan Grozier as Maria Jessup, an irate evicted tenant with her young daughter Christine (Sadie Calvano) in tow, and Anne Mannal superb in four roles including Headmistress. Kudos as well to everyone else.
Keiko Moreno's dark set design serves well for both interior and exterior locales. Stephanie Pease provides some lively choreography, and Brent Beerman keeps the pacing nice and tight.
The music is mostly uplifting, with the beautiful ballad "Robinson Crusoe" sung cherishingly by Lamb, my favorite.
This is a wonderful representation of the Dickensian classic, proving once more that good theatre is right in our backyard. Crown's show rings in the holiday season with gusto.”
Stephen Stanley – Stagescenela.com
“WOW! What do you get when you combine Charles Dickens' classic tale of Christmastime redemption (you know the one) with The Jungle, Upton Sinclair's exposé of meat packing conditions in early 20th Century Chicago, then add a musical score with much of the stark dissonance of Kurt Weill's collaborations with Bertolt Brecht?
The answer can be found at Crown City Theatre in William A. Reilly and Gary Lamb's A Chicago Christmas Carol, a striking musical adaptation of the Dickens favorite with an added dose of darkness and social revolutionary spirit. Though its climactic moments remain as emotionally powerful and inspirational as ever, getting there makes for a considerably rougher, tougher journey than most Christmas Carol adaptations you may have seen in years past—but a highly rewarding one.
Set in a frigid, grimy Chicago circa 1908, Reilly and Lamb's Christmas Carol takes considerably liberties with Dickens' original. Ebenezer Scrooge (Lamb) is still a cold-hearted, miserly son of a bitch, but now he is the owner of Fezziwig's Meats, as dangerous and exploitive an enterprise as any sweatshop ever was. He's also a cold-hearted Chicago landlord whose favorite phrase must be “Evict them,” one he's especially eager to use this Christmas (a holiday which this American Scrooge has dubbed “Bah-mas” in deference to his British namesake's “Bah humbug!”).
Two of Ebenezer's latest victims are widow Maria Jessup (Susan Grozier) and her preteen daughter Christina (Sadie Calvano), thrown out into the chill Chicago night this Christmas Eve, their only companions a trio of whores (Misha Bouvion, Anne Mannal, and Pamela Taylor) whose cynical “The Whore Song” sets the adult tone for the evening.
Meanwhile, back at the packing plant, Scrooge has sent employee Bob Cratchit (Kevin Michael Moran) out into the frigid night with yet another eviction notice, precisely the kind that Bob's rabble-rousing, union-organizing, not-so-tiny seventeen-year-old son Tim (Mikhail Roberts) is fighting against.
Scrooge, in the meantime, is receiving his annual Christmas Eve visit from his relentlessly cheerful nephew Freddie (Paul Marchegiani), who jauntily assures his uncle “I Won't Give Up On You.”
As anyone who's ever read A Christmas Carol or seen one of its countless film, TV, or stage adaptations can guess, Scrooge's attempt to fall asleep this Christmas Eve will be hindered by the arrival of the chain-bearing ghost of former partner Jacob Marley (Dave Berges), then by the Spirits of Christmas Past (Bouvion), Present (Louis Silvers), and Future (Bouvion again).
We see Scrooge as a schoolboy taught by the Headmistress From Hell (Mannal), who expresses her educational philosophy in “The Headmistress Song” while poor, lonely Ebenezer dreams of a life as “Robinson Crusoe” and a wedding with Isabella Fezziwig (Paton Ashbrook), his employer's lovely daughter. (“When We Are Wed”) Such dreams are not meant to be, however, as Ebenezer finds out when Isabella gives back her engagement ring. No matter, reassures Jacob Marley. Scrooge will have “Time Enough For Love” once he has achieved his avaricious ends.
A Chicago Christmas Carol made its first Crown City appearance two years ago. Since then, Reilly's book and music and Lamb's lyrics have undergone considerable revision, and an almost entirely new company of actors has assumed the show's multiple roles and tracks. 2010's A Chicago Christmas Carol also has a new director (Brent Beerman, more than up to the task), a new choreographer (the inventive Stephanie Pease) and a mostly new design team. Songs this time are accompanied by prerecorded synthesizer tracks (layered by musical director Reilly) in place of Reilly's live piano accompaniment two years ago.
Though its grim Chicago setting and politically/socially-conscious plot make this Christmas Carol considerably less “Christmassy” than A Christmas Carols tend to be, it more than makes up for this in entertainment value, emotional impact, and the fine performances of its very talented cast.
Four actors (Ashbrook, Calvano, Lamb, and Grozier) appear in single roles, the remaining nine cast members assuming multiple tracks. Lamb's excellent work as Scrooge benefits from his first-rate acting chops and resonant pipes. Ashbrook makes for a captivating Isabella, both in innocent (“When We Are Wed”) and not so innocent (“Isabella's Song”) form. Grozier and Calvano do memorable work as mother and daughter.
There are scene-stealing turns by Berges as Jacob Marley, Mannal as the Headmistress, Marchegiani as Freddy, and most particularly Silvers, stopping the show with his razzmatazz “The Gift Of Giving.” Roberts' powerful rendition of the workers' anthem “Joe Was A Man (Just Like You And Me)” is another Chicago Christmas Carol highlight. Bouvion channels a pair of very different but equally spectacular divas as the Spirits Of Christmases Past and Future. Moran doubles to strong effect as Bob Cratchit and Mr. Fezziwig (prompting Scrooge to remark amusingly on the resemblance). Kelsey Lee Smith does lovely work in a quartet of guises, and Pamela Taylor is a charismatic presence as always in four very different roles.
Among the evening's production number highlights are the lively Act One opener (“Believing In Miracles”), the spooky “Save The Likes Of You” (with the entire ensemble embodying some very creepy Ghosts of Sinners Past), and “The Headmistress Song”), all featuring Pease's imaginative choreography.
Keiko Moreno's clever set design effectively suggests the grim Chicago setting (the bloody aprons hanging from meat hooks are a nice touch). Tanya Apuya and Caitlin Erin O'Hare have designed a bevy of costumes running the gamut from threadbare to glamorous. Rachel Myles lights the stage dramatically, with some impressive silhouette effects and of footlight-cast shadows. Ben Rovner is assistant director, Kathi Chaplar assistant musical director, Marcus Lamontagne technical director, and Zad Potter and Moreno co-stage managers.
There will be Christmas Carols aplenty this season, but none quite like A Chicago Christmas Carol, a fascinating look back at a time when money-grubbing moguls shared the same city streets with victims of abject poverty. Sound familiar?” Pat Taylor – The Tolucan Times
“My first holiday play of the season, magically setting the mood for the wonders of Christmas… this is a beautifully staged, highly entertaining, must-see production! Presented by Crown City Theatre, this is a newly cast, cleverly revised version of their 2008 production about Scrooge and the colorful characters who change him forever. This is a dedicated and inventive NoHo troupe, offering one fine play after another. Here, if a character is written as despicable, they will see to it that we hate him… if they offer a musical, you can count on great singers… and if they stage a comedy, we are guaranteed uproarious laughter! You must get to know them and their innovative, well-thought out work! This delightful version of the classic story of the mean-spirited Scrooge and his wondrous revelations takes place on the freezing streets of Chicago in 1908. Following the familiar story in their own way, we enjoy 20 wonderful and original songs, inspiringly written by William A. Reilly (book and music), and Gary Lamb (lyrics). Under the fun-loving, breathtakingly inventive direction of Brent Beerman (assisted by Ben Rovner), an excellent cast of 13 actors win our hearts. Gary Lamb is mesmerizingly marvelous as the cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, who comes to realize the error of his ways. As the eerie ghosts of his “past, present and future”… Louis Silvers was quirky fun (Present), and Misha Bouvion played the spirits of both Past and Future with chameleon-like flair. Dave Berges offered a powerful Marley (Scrooge's deceased business partner).
It's difficult to fully credit each cast member in detail, as most of them played multiple roles, but let me assure you… there wasn't a weak link among them! Impressive singers and expressive actors ALL, the rest of the lively cast include Paton Ashbrook, Sadie Calvano, Susan Grozier, Anne Mannal, Paul Marchegiani, Pamela Taylor, Kevin Michael Moran, Mikhail Roberts, and Kelsey Lee Smith. Kudos all around to the behind-the-scenes “visionaries” as well! Stephanie Pease (sassy choreography), Keiko Moreno (great set), Tanya Apuya and Caitlin Erin O'Hare (“fab” costumes), Rachel Myles (effective lighting), William A. Reilly, Ben Rovner, and Kathi Chaplar (creative musical direction), and Marcus Lamontagne (focused technical direction). This entire effort is joyously commendable and fully deserves a run in a larger venue! Someone should invite David Geffen to come and fall under its magical spell!”
Staff Writer -Valleyscenemagazine.com
Alright everyone, the holidays are upon us! So once again it?s time to grab a warm cup of cocoa, nestle down with loved ones, and enjoy the magic of this time of year! But what better way to add excitement and laughter to the approaching season then to see it played out right before our eyes?!
This year, Crown City Theatre Company presents us with a marvelous adaptation of Charles Dickens famous novel entitled ?A Chicago Christmas Carol?. Directed by Brent Beerman with a wonderful screenplay and music composed by William A. Reilly, this is definitely a must see musical that puts a great spin on an age old classic story! Set in Chicago, IL in 1908 the story begins on the cold winter streets during Christmas Eve.
Magazine writes, “She's all about passion and communication.”
Set in Chicago, IL in 1908 the story begins on the cold winter streets during Christmas Eve.
From the very beginning, the cast brings the time period to life with a busy opening of song and dance to set the mood of the hard times in the city. Soon, the infamous Scrooge enters the scene and demonstrates his iron will and cold heart showing no mercy when he orders his tenants to be thrown out of their houses for not paying the rent on time.
Much like Charles Dickens story, the play sticks to the key points of showing
Scrooge what Christmas is really all about. But what makes this musical unique is Crown City Theatre?s creative take on the tale by adding a clever cast and crew to keep the story fresh!
For the cast, there literally are ?no small roles? as everyone is at least two characters in this production. Stretching their acting skills, the audience is able to see such performers as Anne Mannal and Pamela Taylor go from trick turning whores on the street to a Headmistress of a Boarding School and a comforting Mrs. Fezziwig at a party. Showing diversity and cleverness, every character is given a chance to stand out in the spotlight to express their characters. Kevin Michael Moran delivers a heart-warming performance as Bob Cracthit, but then changes personas completely into the jiggly and jovial, Fezziwig. Dave Berges starts as a stern police offer cleaning up the streets, but later haunts us with sarcasm and wit as the spooky Jacob Marley.
Other eye catching performances and interesting interpretations come from all three spirits who bring a new twist on the age old characters. Misha Bouvion delivers a quirky spark of personality as the Spirit of Past but then transitions to a hovering Spirit of Future to warn Scrooge where his selfish path will lead. Louis Silvers who plays the Spirit of Present gives a comedic break, adding adrenaline and spunk to the wonder of Christmas Day that almost makes you forget he was the Begger Man at the very beginning of the story.
And of course, the best transition of all comes from Gary Lamb, who plays the cold, frigid, iron fisted Scrooge that goes through a metamorphosis throughout the story to come out as a zealous free spirit (no pun intended) opening his arms, heart, and wallet to everyone around him.
However, not only do the actors/actresses make this play something to see, but the crew does an amazing job opening up your imagination with the original music and visual displays. The usage of scenery and lighting easily set the mood to change the stage from feeling spooky one minute in ?Save the Likes of You? to warm the next for Scrooge and Isabella?s sassy interaction at the Fezziwig Christmas party.
The Crown City Theatre Company has definitely worked hard on this production, and from all angles it is apparent the cast and crew had a wonderful time putting it together. This was a great treat to review and made me and possibly other theater goers that evening want to join in and be part of the fun that took place that took place on stage!
For further information email us at info@crowncitytheatre.com
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A FUNNY 
