“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” at Hanover Theatre

December 1, 2023December 26, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The Hanover Theatre’s holiday presentation this year is the sixteenth annual production of “A Christmas Carol” adapted and directed by Troy Siebels. The historic Hanover Theatre is a jewel of a theatre hidden away in Worcester and is breathtakingly gorgeous and splendiferous. It first opened in 1904 as a burlesque theatre, in 1926 as a movie theatre and in 2008 as a gorgeous show place that needs to be discovered by one and by all. The Theatre seats 2300 people and the theatre once again filled almost all the seats this year. Troy once again has a huge cast of 28. The underlying themes of charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence found in “A Christmas Carol” are universal and are relevant to people of all religions and backgrounds. In his version, Troy uses a grown-up Tim Cratchit as the narrator of this familiar tale of miserly, curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. It is the classic tale of this stingy, miser on the road to his redemption. Originally written in the winter of 1843, this show still resonates with audiences, one hundred and eighty years later. Scrooge is visited by his dead partner, Jacob Marley who has been dead for seven years on Christmas Eve as well as the ghosts of the Past, Present and Future. who hope to change his destiny and save his soul. This marvelous musical adaptation is full of many special effects, timeless music, colorful sets and gorgeous costumes. This musical treat follows Scrooge on his strange and magical journey, where he finally discovers the true Christmas spirit at last. The combination of Troy’s, music director, Timothy Evans and choreographer Ilyse Robbins hard work, creates a stunning retelling of this classic story. A standing ovation is their reward on a job extremely well done.

Hanover’s “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” Warms the Heart

December 17, 2018December 26, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

The Hanover Theatre’s holiday presentation this year is the eleventh annual production of “A Christmas Carol” adapted and directed by Troy Siebels. The historic Hanover Theatre is a jewel of a theatre hidden away in Worcester and is breathtakingly gorgeous and splendiferous. It first opened in 1904 as a burlesque theatre, in 1926 as a movie theatre and in 2008 as a gorgeous show place that needs to be discovered by one and by all. The Theatre seats 2300 people and 19,000 patrons discovered this musical version of the show last year. Troy once again has a huge cast of 30. The underlying themes of charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence found in “A Christmas Carol” are universal and are relevant to people of all religions and backgrounds.

Central Square’s Joyous ‘A Christmas Carol’ Melds Victorian Era with Present Day

December 14, 2018December 17, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

by Mike Hoban

A Christmas Carol – Directed by Debra Wise; Scenic Design by David Fichter; Costume Design by Leslie Held & Elizabeth Rocha; Lighting Design by John R. Malinowski; Sound Design by Mark Bruckner. Presented by The Nora Theatre Company and Underground Railway Theater at the Central Square Theater at 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge through December 30

Central Square Theater’s inspired production of A Christmas Carol is proof positive that, in the right hands, you really can take an iconic story, deviate a bit from conventional characterizations and staging, and still present a work that will enthrall even staunchest of traditionalists. This version of A Christmas Carol keeps its roots firmly planted in Dickens’ Victorian England, while offering a bit of inclusive multiculturalism, featuring depictions of the characters that you’re not likely to see in the old black-and-white movie versions of the holiday favorite. But Central Square seems less interested in scoring political or sociocultural points than re-imagining this classic in a way that more closely reflects today’s audiences, and the changes actually enliven the story.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket, RI

December 10, 2018December 17, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Stadium Theatre’s holiday show this year is the new musical production of “A Christmas Carol.” This version of this well known holiday tale contains special flying effects, snow and a full 9 piece orchestra. This version was written by John Popa who also wrote the witty lyrics with music written by Steve Parsons. “A Christmas Carol” is a timeless story that still resonates with people of all ages and carries a message that is as genuine and poignant now as it was when it was first written back in 1843.

NSMT’s ‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Brings the Classic to Glorious Life

December 9, 2018December 9, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Current artistic director Kevin Hill directs this year’s presentation of its favorite holiday show once again. He also directed “Mamma Mia”, the megahit at NSMT this past summer for four sold out weeks. “Christmas Carol” is the tale of curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Jacob Marley,Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come who hope to change his destiny and to save his soul. Audiences are taken on a strange and magical journey with Scrooge that helps him regain his exuberance for the true meaning of Christmas once more. Bill spares no expense in bringing this splendid heartwarming tale to audiences for his ninth year. Kevin and his cast and crew delivers the goods with audiences leaping to their feet at the curtain call. They are moved to laughter and tears at all the appropriate moments. Bravo once again on a job very well done!

Thorne a Scrooge for the Ages in Trinity Rep’s Classic “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”

November 14, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Trinity Repertory Company ushers the holiday season in with their annual presentation and their 41st production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard Cumming. Trinity is also celebrating its 55th season. This show’s underlying themes of charity, forbearance and benevolence are universal and are equally relevant to people of all religions and backgrounds especially now after this contentious election and climate of this country. This familiar tale is about the curmudgeonly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Marley, Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come who hope to change his destiny and save his soul to ultimately to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Director Mark Valdez creates an excellent telling of this well known Christmas tale while musical director Esther Zabinski, plays a concertina and wrote all the parts for the many songs in the show. Choreographer yon Tande makes the cast shine in the dance numbers. The enthusiastic audience thoroughly enjoyed the show with thunderous applause and standing ovation at curtain call.

NSMT’s Delivers Spirited ‘Christmas Carol’

December 10, 2017December 10, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre’s holiday show this year is the 27th Anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol, A Musical Ghost Story” which is an annual favorite. This version of this well known holiday tale was written by former NSMT artistic director, Jon Kimball which he adapted back in 1989. As Jon explains “A Christmas Carol” is a timeless story that still resonates with people of all ages and carries a message that is as genuine and poignant now as it was when it was first written back in 1843. This splendid musical version captures the true spirit and meaning of the holiday season for one and all.

Trinity Rep’s 40th Anniversary “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” A Holiday Gem

November 15, 2017 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Trinity Repertory Company ushers in the holiday season for their 40th Anniversary of their production of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens and adapted by Adrian Hall and Richard Cumming. The show’s underlying themes of charity, forbearance and benevolence are universal and are equally relevant to people of all religions and backgrounds especially with the unsettling events in this country and around the world. This familiar tale is about the curmudgeonly miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Present and Future who hope to change his destiny and save his soul to ultimately discover the true meaning of Christmas.