A Xmas Carol as a Rock Musical, Like Rocky Horror Show?

Photos

Ken Ruta as Ghost of Marley in Xmas Carol. Photo: kevinberne.com-

see larger image

uploaded by Lee Hartgrave

BUZZIN  - LEE HARTGRAVE

Dateline: American Conservatory Theater - San Francisco, Ca               

A.C.T. XMAS CAROL GOES HI-TECH

“How Dare you talk to me in my underwear! – says Scrooge to the Ghost of Christmas past. In this re-do of ‘A Christmas Carol’ Scrooge is a little more ‘salty’ than we are used to. And, this is all to the good. A.C.T. has revitalized the story of the have and have-nots, by letting the actors out of the box to have fun with the malicious moments. 

What we have here is a first class production that pushes the envelope with its near-surreal mix of outrageousness and deadpan humor. Like a Broadway show – they have almost turned the story into a Broadway type musical, by adding some songs and incidental music. The kids were wide-eyed, and the grown-ups really got into the spirit of this Christmas story. Especially fun for the kids are the dancing vegetables

The Hi-tech moments are fascinating as houses whirl past the actors to make it look like they are walking down the street. And who could ask for better lighting. It was perfect. Yep, this time-honored tale with its dazzling new special effects that conjure up Ghosts from Scrooge’s past keep the kids awake. This is a near-surreal mix that you will tell your friends about.

What’s the next step for Xmas Carol? Would they dare to go further? Buzzin’ thinks that it would be terrific if they made it into a Broadway Style rock musical, sort of like “The Rocky Horror Show.” Add a couple of really memorable songs with a light rock beat (Jesus Christ Superstar) comes to mind – and it could be Broadway here we come! Ken Ruta in the current show already is in a Costume that would fit perfectly in my idea of the Rock Xmas Carol. He wore the glitter and the fright wig in his role of the Ghost of Jacob Marley. In Cats, the Diva cat ascends to Cat Heaven. Since Ruta ascends from a Bed on the stage as Ghost Marley, they could write him a song similar to “Memory”. That would  not only be bittersweet –but scary!

Of course, on opening night they had a Bed malfunction. The Bed broke down and wouldn’t close the hole on the stage. But that has been fixed and Ruta will once again ascend from the Bed. And that's great, because the Bed is one of the most fascinating elements in this improved Xmas Story. 

THE MAGICAL CAST IS: James Carpenter plays the perfect little skinflint, Scrooge. “Wonderfully excellent!” Stephan Barker Turner couldn’t be better as Bob Cratchit. There is rare authenticity to his acting. “Compelling!” Ken Ruta as Ghost of Jacob Marley “gives a big performance that rivets your attention.” Sharon Lockwood plays various characters. “She’s a funny Jewell Box of talent!” Kai Nui is Tiny Tim. He is so compelling that you just want to hug him. “He gives a big movie star performance!”

ALSO GIVING RICHLY EXHUBERANT PERFORMANCES ARE: Natelie Hegg, Weston Wilson, Nicolas Pelczar, Erin Michelle Washington, J. Peter Scattini, Samuel Breakstone Tunick, Ilya Verzhbinsky, Noah Pawl Silverman St. John and Lauren Safier. 

Plus, there are bunches of talented kids turning in “Happy-go-lucky” performances. All bring this important message to the stage: “Our world must be made to care about each other.” There is nothing better than “A Christmas Carol” to convey that message. Happy Christmas. 

It’s an unqualified Winter Smash! At the New Conservatory Theatre 

RATING: THREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!! –trademarked-

 FOLLOW MORE REVIEWS AT: www.beyondchron.org.