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12/16/2022 08:28 AMThe Legacy Theatre in Branford is again presenting its pared-down musical version of A Christmas Carol through Sunday, Dec. 18.
The Classic Dickens story is now about an hour in length, which forces adaptor and director Keely Baisden Knudsen to remove characters and scenes. What remains are the broad strokes of the story.
The result is entertaining, but you won’t come away with an understanding of Scrooge’s difficult childhood, the poverty in London, or the full extent of the transformation. Baisden Knudsen has said that she feels the key to the story is young Scrooge’s relationship with Belle who breaks their engagement over his changed priorities. I’m not so sure.
The pluses of this production are James Andreassi as Scrooge and the tuneful melodies written by David Bell and Baisden Knudsen. Except for Andreassi, the cast of eight play multiple roles. At times it becomes difficult to know which character a performer is playing due to limited costume changes.
The set is flexible for the multiple locations of the play. By creating a two-level set, though, James Burnett has a dilemma. A door is needed to the inside of Scrooge’s office and other locations. But the door has to be so short, that the actors must bend over to go in and out. Yet the set and the chandelier for the Ghost of Christmas Present is terrific.
With the show running just 60 minutes, it is difficult for the performers to establish individual characters. Even the major ones –Bob Crachit, Scrooge’s nephew Fred and the three ghosts–need to be quickly sketched. The result is that the actors must rely on changes in gestures or posture and some minor vocal changes. At times it is confusing as to which character the actor is playing. Is it young Scrooge or Fred? Josiah Rowe is good as Bob Crachit and also serves as a narrator.
Each tries his or her best to create the various roles they play. Baisden plays two important roles–the Ghost of Christmas Past and Mrs. Crachit as well as one of three singers that signal the clock chiming and another ghost appearing. She is more successful than some of the cast in creating unique characters. Chris Lemiuex does a good job as Marley, Fezziwig, and the Ghost of Christmas Present though the latter does become a stereotype.
The scene with Marley is particularly well executed. It is scary without being frightening. Plenty of chains are rattled as Marley warns Scrooge of what will come.
One of my favorite things was how the transitions in time were handled. For each switch, two of the women sing a lovely song, “Clock Chime Bells,” that signals the arrival of a ghost or of Christmas Morning. The harmony is delightful.
If you don’t mind the missing details and subtlety, this is a fine holiday production. Children would enjoy this introduction to live theater, though I suggest you explain the story in advance.
For tickets, visit LegacyTheatreCT.org.