Novato Theater Company
presents
A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Blanca Florido, Music by Andrew Klein
Our new, original, MUSICAL version of this timeless classic is now being offered on a regular basis for the holidays. Add to a subscription as an extra show for $19.00.
In conjunction with the holiday event, the Novato Theater Company is holding a coloring contest. A fun holiday picture to be colored will be available from local merchants at the Pacheco Plaza shopping center in Novato and also may be downloaded from this webpage below. The colored flyers will be hung in the theater as a holiday gallery of color. All children who bring the colored poster to see A Christmas Carol will get a two-dollar discount on their ticket. The most artistic colored poster will receive a Christmas stocking full of goodies on the last day of the show.
For the Holiday Coloring Picture, Click Here. (PDF)
To see a map to the St. Vincent’s Church & School for Boys, click here...
MAP
Published: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 1:47 PM PST
The Novato Theater Company unwraps a delightful version of Charles Dickens’ 1843 classic story of Scrooge, ghosts and the Christmas spirit plus a surprise infusion of eight original songs. With lyrics by NTC Artistic Director Blanca Florido and music composed by Andrew Klein, the well-crafted songs entertain as they advance the plot.
The opening scene in London features a singing quartet of gents in top hats and waistcoats (Will Lamers, Tim Clover, Mark Clark and Jesse McMillin). As they exit, we see the austere and chilly office where Scrooge (David Bauer) rebukes Bob Cratchit (Jarrett Battenberg) for requesting Christmas off to spend with his family. Scrooge’s ever-enthusiastic nephew, played with spirit by Robert Nelson, visits with good wishes and an invitation to dinner, which Scrooge coldly declines.
As Scrooge exits his office, the audience is astonished to see the entire stage turning as the scene changes. Scrooge walks through the office door, entering his bedroom. This extraordinary transformation is accomplished with a three-part motorized rotating stage, the result of months of construction led by Gary Gonser. The backstage crew can modify either of the sets, which are hidden from view, while the audience sees only the front panel. “A Christmas Carol” contains a dozen or so scene changes, unheard of in such a small theater.
This production offers up more surprises: Monica Norcia, the cellist tucked into the musician’s corner below the stage, disappears from her spot shortly into Act I. Oh wait, there she is, reappearing on the stage as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Several cast members do an admirable job of taking on two characters, including Johnny DeBernard, cleverly costumed first in the chains of Jacob Marley and later in the rich robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present.
Bauer wins the audience over as the cantankerous Scrooge, conveying just the right amount of irritability and showing fright when his ghostly voyage begins. What a joy to see his transformation to a giddy holiday benefactor when he sings the robust closing song, “Home.” Also worthy of note is Julianne Thompson as Belle, whose voice soars with regret when she sings, “I Thought I Knew You” to the young Scrooge, played by Jesse McMillin.
This entertaining production gives local youth a chance to show their budding talents, including Jessica Clark, Jade Abreu, Eden Ferguson, Chloe Florit, Eloise Florit, Kate Golson, and Rocco Tramonto Novia-Reed and Malcolm Culbertson, who alternate as Tiny Tim. Ian Lamers, a third-generation actor, doesn’t have to say a word to be convincing in his role as the eerie Ghost of Christmas Future. All stay in character, showing a stage presence that belies their ages. Rounding out the abundant cast are Kathryn Daskal, Sarah Nelson and the ever-enthusiastic Shari Clover.
The costumes are a visual treat, with hats, brocades and lace attire of the gentry contrasting with the working class earth-tone clothing. Veteran actor Sandi Rubay’s depiction of a charwoman, complete with blackened tooth and frazzled hair, is perfection.