"Christmas Is Coming, the Goose is Getting Fat - Review by J.K. Cosmos

Won't you please put a penny in the Old Man's Hat, If you haven't got a penny, a half a penny will do. If you haven't gotta a half a penny, God Bless You!"
Review of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" - By J.K. Cosmos

The chorus of Christmas Carols and the themed dress of the Actors began before the audience even got to their seats. Bravo! The tone is set. The historically correct costumes, and then arriving in the theater, seeing the stage so well set was the beginning of a Christmas treat!

Dicken's play is a classic and, for many, a tradition. The production of this well-loved play is a challenge; the challenge being keeping it fresh and new. Keeping it interesting! This production conveyed the plot, engaged the audience and was entertaining, to boot!

The old Dodger, yes, Scrooge, had a great presence and Paul D. Farwell, who played the lead, did so without over-shadowing the others. His rendition of Scrooge was on the money. Farwell had the modulated voice, the accent and the energy to bring the audience in; to keep us there with him through the mundane at his office and the magical with the spirits. He was fun and really gave a great performance.

Edward M. Barker, playing Bob Cratchit, also enlightened the audience. How so? Well, his presentation showed love of family, his wife and others in the community in a most endearing and sweet way. His interpretation of Cratchit was one of a man with some sense of self; his identity was less pathetic than is sometimes portrayed in films. I thought his rendition of Cratchit was very effective.

The Actors in supporting roles, belted it out. The dialogue was true to the plot, to the story-line and to the essence of what makes Dickens a master dramatist.

Kudos to the Director, Bridget Kathleen O'Leary! Her vision and tweaking of this classic made it a not to miss play for the season.

Not to miss a beat, the setting and costumes of the spirits and the magic is just phenomenal! Congrats to Peter Colao and Christine Alger; Scenic & Costume design respectively. This Team effort brings an exceptional play to the New Rep!

Bravo & A Standing 'O'.