Reviewers are not supposed to be biased. That said, this is probably the most biased review I will ever write. A Christmas Carol is my favorite Christmas tale. Who can resist a tear when Tiny Tim utters the words, “God bless us, everyone.”
On a crisp November morning, I attended A Christmas Carol – the Musical at the Marriott Lincolnshire. The theatre has a beautiful two-story entrance complete with two bold chandeliers lighting the way. The setting is a classic theatre in the round. When entering, you are moved into Dickens' London world. The set is sparsely decorated with cutouts of London windows hung from the ceiling.
The lights dim, the theatre goes dark and you are in the magical world of A Christmas Carol. A rousing Christmas number is sung and toward the end of it enters Ebenezer Scrooge. Gene Weygandt 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 George Keating – 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.
The entire stirring production is worth well more than the $15.00 price of admission. Nearly every cast member plays multiple parts. The musical is a study in amazing timing.
I took my niece to the performance. The two of us were on the edge of our seats, immersed in the world of A Christmas Carol. When Scrooge makes his transformation from miser to generous man, it is not only a spiritual one, but a physical one. It is also one you will not want to miss.
A Christmas Carol – the Musical is playing at the Marriott Theater, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL, 847-634-0200 from now until January 2nd.
Article comments