EMA Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MUSICAL Delicious ★★★★★

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

There are three things I can always count on at Christmastime: All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey everywhere I go, coal in my stocking (from my cats), and the classic tale: A Christmas Carol. There have been a multitude of adaptations on film and stage, and this year Broadway Stage Collective and Signature Productions have gifted us A Christmas Carol: The Musical (Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Book by Mike Ockrent & Lynn Ahrens) based on the story by Charles Dickens.

And what a show! This musical is fantastic, but what do you expect when you have Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) joined with Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Schoolhouse Rock)? Director Rachel DeBenedetto masterfully crafts a show that blends strong production values with a fantastic cast, excellent singing (under the musical direction of Shauna Oblad), and dancing (choreography by Kelley Flaherty). The tone is delightful and playful, and sometimes surprisingly scary.

Joey DeBenedetto is marvelous as the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge, with his perfect voice and dastardly characterization. His hapless employee, Bob Cratchit, is played with proper empathy by Ariel Johnson and is very relatable. Rubie Webster as Tiny Tim steals the show, though. Just so darn adorable! Quincy Thomas as Marley commands the stage whenever he’s on and is a veritable powerhouse. Alec TerBerg is a delight as the Ghost of Christmas Past with his magical and whimsical antics. Gus Pappas, as the Ghost of Christmas Present, lights up the stage with his joyous and jolly energy. Niki White, who plays both the Blind Old Hag and Ghost of Christmas Future, has strong charisma and gives a mesmerizing performance. I wish I had space to acknowledge the rest of the ensemble, as they were all brilliant. Special shout-out to Paul Iwanicki as Mr. Fezziwig and Charlotte Rackett as Mrs. Fezziwig, who brought down the house with their song “Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball.” Also, to the elves at the end of Act One, which was my favorite part.

As if that wasn’t enough, I found the production side to be astounding. The beautiful village set (designed by Aaron Martin), composed of tall two-story sections, moved like a ballet from scene to scene. Using that as a backdrop, the projections (designed by Jeff Tidwell) blew my mind, adding just enough spectacle without overpowering the action. They brought the show to another level. Bring in the lighting design by Afton Carpenter and sound design by Bill Fegley, and I was enthralled. The costumes (designed by Terry McGonigle, Brandy Andrews, Terry McGonigle, Jen Hemme, Teri Gerring) and wigs (designed by Kyleigh Keith) were great, especially with the spectral and elvish aspects.

Overall, this is the perfect family show this Christmas season. Every song is a showstopper, and you will leave in a festive and happy mood. As I said before, there are some scary parts in a couple of places, with ghosts and skeletons, but it’s Disney’s Haunted Mansion level of scary and should be fine for children. Broadway Stage Collective states that they wanted to bring Broadway-level productions to Las Vegas, and I think they very much succeeded in doing so alongside Signature Productions.  I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

What: A Christmas Carol: The Musical  

When: November 29 to  December 21; Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Where: Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center, 1771 Inner Cir Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89134

Tickets (including fees)/website:  Standard $37.78, Premium $42.95, VIP $48.13; Student/Senior $32.60, Premium Student/Senior $37.78, VIP Student/Senior $42.95

https://signatureproductions.net/

RATING: Delicious ★★★★★

Director: Rachel Debenedetto; Musical Director: Shauna Oblad; Choreographer: Kelley Flaherty; Set Design: Aaron Martin; Projection Design: Jeff Tidwell; Lighting Design: Afton Carpenter; Sound Design: Bill Fegley; Costume Design: Terry McGonigle, Brandy Andrews, Terry McGonigle, Jen Hemme, Teri Gerring; Wig Design: Kyleigh Keith.