“A Christmas Carol” Milwaukee ( TWO REVIEWS) Frank Meccia and AmyMenzel

FRANK:

MILWAUKEE REP PRESENTS:
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
REVIEWED BY: FRANK MECCIA
*****/***** MUST SEE

Every time I see this outstanding play/musical, I learn something new. Did you know Charles Dickens wrote this book 180 years ago, in 1843? It was first performed in England 170 years ago. Since then, there have been so many adaptations and versions, from plays to musicals. To many families, this play has become a family tradition. I have seen this play in London, NYC, Chicago, and now Milwaukee. This production, adapted and Directed by Mark Clements, is the best I have ever seen. It took me back to when I first saw this and enjoyed this classic. Everything in this production is top-notch. I love the original musical score composed by John Tanner, and Orchestration by Larry Moorse; both are well-known worldwide in their industry. But the winner of this production is the scenic designer Todd Edward Ivins. His large sets that moved quickly and could be transformed from a village to an office, to a mansion with different levels to a simple home were beautiful. What brought out the child in me was when the snow came down on the stage and on the audience. They produced real snow for this show. Outside of the production, the sets, and the music, the real winners are the actors.

The show’s star is Ebenezer Scrooge and the man Charles Dickens, played by Matt Daniels. Mr Daniels had all the characteristics we think of when you imagine Scrooge. But his facial expressions, even when time is stopped, are fantastic. I am so glad I sat in front to see every expression he would make. The Ghost of Marley, played by Mark Corkins, was magical and so believable. Todd Denning, who played the Ghost of Christmas Present, was perfect in this role; he reminded me of The Ghost of Christmas Present in the 1984 movie A Christmas Carol, played by Edward Woodward. Tami Workentin played the Ghost of Christmas Past; she did a remarkable job. Her costume reminded me of the Snow Queen, and her acting was superb. But the men who benefit the most from Scrooge’s change are his nephew Fred, played by Jordan Anthony, Bob Cratchit, played by Reese Madigan, and Tiny Tim, played by Valentina Vega. They all did a fantastic job. It’s hard to write about everybody; we are talking about a cast of 42 actors. Everyone from the ensemble to the main characters did a fantastic production. I will admit tears came down my face during some of the final scenes; that is a sign of a great show.

This production is worth the 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Chicago. And gas is only $2.48 a gallon, which means just filling up will save you money; that indoor parking is only $13.00, making it worth spending a great day with the family. The show runs till December 24th. Show times are Tues and Wed at 7 pm, Thu and Fri at 730, Sat 2 pm and 7:30, and Sun 4:30 pm. Ticket prices start at $18 and go up to $63. The Historic Pabst Theatre is at 144 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, across the river in the downtown theatre district. If you go to one-holiday show this season, this is the one.

AMY MENZEL

****  It’s the most wonderful time of the year! “A Christmas Carol” is back at The Pabst Theater. The Milwaukee Rep takes the stage for this beautifully gilded venue and creates a visually stunning, incredibly heartwarming, and overall mesmerizing holiday experience.

I am convinced that Charles Dickens himself would be awed by Mark Clements’ adaptation of his tale and tickled by Matt Daniels’ portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge (not to mention Daniels’ brief portrayal of Dickens to open the show). It’s obvious that this production is the collaborative effort of many incredibly talented artists- both on stage and off. While that cast brings the story to life on stage, that stage is exquisitely set (Todd Edward Ivins is scenic designer .Jeff Nellis lighting designer) and the cast is gorgeously/handsomely adorned ( Alexander B. Tecoma /costume designer). Of Course, Christmas would not be Christmas without music, and John Tanner contributes an original score )Dan Kazemi i Music Director and Barry G. Funderberg is sound designer). The dialect coach is Jayne Pink and brings the language of Victorian England to life and the stage movement from Michael Pink, the artistic director of the Milwaukee Ballet, ensures this production glides along as enchantingly as a music box. (Pink’s “Nutcracker” opens on the 8th at The Marcus center).

I wouldn’t have thought it possible, but I found this year’s production more vibrant and touching than last. Somehow Daniels brings more depth to the role of Scrooge and each scene shines with a little more Christmas magic. My now 10 years old niece who accompanies me to both productions, readily agreed. I should also note that her notes on the show included the word “love” no fewer than six times.

It’s fun and funny (I witnessed a genuine spit-take from a fellow theater-goer near the end of the show). It’s interactive and immersive (I’m amused when adult Wisconsinites, including myself, get downright giddy when it “snows” indoors). It’s got everything you could possibly want (including hot chocolate, cookies and cocktails available in the lobby) in a family/friendly Christmas outing atmosphere. This is definitely the stuff Holiday Traditions are made of/

Bring your scroogiest and your jolliest friends ( along with any others). All will enjoy the show and leave the theater with a little ( and likely a lot more) Christmas Spirit in their heart!

“A Christmas Carol” runs thru December 24th at The Pabst Theatre. To purchase tickets www.milwaukeerep.com

schedule : Tuesdays and Wednesdays   7 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

run time 2 hours and 10 minutes with 1 intermission.

ASL Performance on 12/13 at 7 p.m.