Charles Dickens' miserly curmudgeon, who is visited by ghosts of the past, present and future on Christmas Eve, has held unique appeal since he was introduced in 1843. Gaining added musical charm recently, Ebenezer Scrooge now rivals Santa Claus as a holiday favorite.
Like Santa, Scrooge is ubiquitous at holiday time, popping up simultaneously at several locations. One singing Scrooge opened Saturday to a full house at Chesapeake Music Hall. Another opens tonight at Colonial Players and a third opens at Chesapeake Arts Center tomorrow.
Now in her seventh year of presenting musical versions of Dickens' tale, A Christmas Carol, Chesapeake Music Hall owner Sherry Kay Anderson is repeating the Michel Legrand-Sheldon Harnick musical version she presented last holiday season. Although it lacks the homegrown charm of Colonial Players' Carol, with music by former local Dick Gessner and lyrics by Annapolitan Rick Wade, or Chesapeake Arts Center's version by Baltimore-based musical partners Douglas Yetter and Michael Hulett, the Music Hall's production offers charm.
French composer Legrand's memorable works include the score of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg and the song "Windmills of My Mind." His Dickens tale offers some delightful musical moments - like Belle and Scrooge's duet, "Penny by Penny," Scrooge's solo "Let There Be Time" and the lively "Balancing the Books" sung by a trio. Musical director Anita O'Connor brings the score to life, coaxing fine vocal performances from cast members and recruiting talented musicians to record sparkling musical accompaniment.
The Music Hall's A Christmas Carol offers excellent performances from leading characters and supporting players; imaginative, well-executed choreography; inspired singing; lovely costumes that evoke 19th-century London; and minimal sets that work well.
A Christmas Carol 's success depends on the actor's performance as Scrooge, and Alan Hoffman's intelligent portrayal is natural and believable. I found Hoffman's Scrooge more interesting than previous over-the-top versions I've seen. Hoffman's evolution from skinflint to fearful spirits' host to penitent benefactor is first-rate, and he sings with appropriate feeling in a pleasing baritone.
Other top-notch performances include Mary Armour-Kaiser's comic portrayal of a Cockney charwoman and her remarkable acting as the Spirit of Christmas Past, delivering these dual roles along with some fancy footwork and outstanding choral singing.
Shannon Benil is a commanding Spirit of Christmas Present, and a hilarious person of charity. Ronnie Schronce lights up the stage as Scrooge's warm-hearted nephew Fred, his spirited dancing and singing a treat. Katy Smith is a lively Mrs. Fezziwig and perfectly cast as Fred's wife. The program indicates that Smith also alternates as Scrooge's early love, Belle.
On opening night, Belle was played by Santina Maiolatesi, who sings beautifully, her voice blending well in duets with Hoffman's Scrooge. Their "Penny by Penny" was the show's high point.
Doc Fletcher plays Bob Crachit with a subtle hint of humor, and he delivers a jolly Old Fezziwig. Tim Grieb is a terrifying ghost of Jacob Marley, gliding silently on in-line skates, and Grieb adds hilarity as the constantly imbibing party guest John.
Tiny Tim is played well by Justin Ederheimer, 11, who is joined by competent young actors playing his siblings.
The entire cast brings high energy to the many song-and-dance numbers, and Sherry Kay Anderson's staging seemed both more briskly paced and serene than in remembered past Carols.
The evening's entertainment includes the best buffet in recent memory. Much of this results from the efforts of Music Hall owner and general manager Anderson, who rates high marks as chef, choreographer, producer and director and shares responsibilities for costume design and creation.
A Christmas Carol continues at Chesapeake Music Hall through Dec. 26. Reservations: 410-626-7515.