Revive Your Christmas Spirit with Gateway Playhouse

by Aidan Rowe

Gateway Playhouse brings to life a classic story that remains as relevant as it was when the novella A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was first published in 1843. Scrooge: The Musical is the brilliant 1992 stage musical with book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. It follows Father Christmas himself, Ebenezer Scrooge, as we watch him unravel his painful past and make a clear path forward towards redemption.

Our story takes place on an intricate set, featuring a projected London street view tinged with blue (backdrop scenic design provided by Christina Avagliano, scenic artists Janelle Hawkes and Melanie Schroer) and a raised platform brick bridge that gives dimension and practicality - thanks to set and lighting designer Peter Avagliano. We see off to the right, a peek into Scrooge’s home. Distressed wallpaper with a large framed portrait of him alongside his sister. The crew did a fabulous job showing you that despite the tremendous amount of wealth he has been hoarding, Scrooge doesn’t spend a cent (or a shilling, I suppose). No one is enjoying what he has accumulated.

With the first act, our setting is now bustling with markets and alive with Christmas caroling. Though many have seemingly given up on Scrooge, it is apparent his nephew Harry (Noah Baker) has not. From the beginning, we see him extend an invitation to spend Christmas with him and his wife Helen (Shannon Colligen). 

When watching Scrooge react bitterly to the holidays, we are also watching his attitude to those who are less fortunate than him, such as the struggling clerk Bob Crachit (beautifully played by Scott Friedman). Mr. Crachit has hopes for his wages and for Christmas Day to be spent off with his family. This includes his very ill child, Tiny Tim, played by Harper Anne Gray who evokes immediate sympathy.

Scrooge moves along the stalls, requesting what money he is owed. After the interrogations, Scrooge is approached by Jocelyn Jollygoode (Adrianna Allen) and Hugo Hartley (Ephraim Smith) who have come seeking donations to help support those in poverty. A true show of his character, Scrooge doubles down on his unfavorable opinion of Christmas and those without.

It is not long before he is visited by an old business partner who has now been dead for seven years - Jacob Marley. Jacob, portrayed by the haunting Mike Palmreuter, presents Scrooge with a humbling threat - if he believes living is rotten, just wait, the alternative is much worse. He informs Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits, but naturally, our villain remains skeptical.

The clock chimes at 1 AM, announcing the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Past (Alaina Famularo). She has a knowing glow about her as she brings Scrooge to face the boy he was in his youth. One who didn’t partake in the festivities even then and was reluctant to return home. His sister, Jenny, promises there has been improvement and beckons him back.

Fast forwarded, he now sees his teenage self (Noah Baker) during a jovial party held by his boss Mr. Fezziwig (James Maher). Mr. Fezziwig’s daughter Isabel (Shannon Colligen) and him have formed a bond that we see shrivel when Scrooge’s priorities seem to shift towards the pursuit of wealth. As a result, she returns her ring after a long and unfruitful engagement. Modern day Scrooge pleads for his younger self to disrupt what is fate. Our Ghost of Christmas Past then reveals her true identity.

Our next visit is from the Ghost of Christmas Present, a figure of opulence and good will (Cormac Morrissey). He guides Scrooge on the fine art of enjoying life and spreading cheer. Their first stop is to witness the Crachit family celebrate in spite of their financial status and Tiny Tim’s condition. It hits Scrooge to ask if the poor child will survive, but the ghost mocks him with his own words. 

They stop in at his nephew’s Christmas dinner. The guests, not upset by the absence of his uncle, don’t wish to toast him - as is initiated by Harry. Drunkenly, Scrooge engages in song from the party. He feels what it’s like to be a part of the camaraderie, while watching his nephew be with a young woman who resembles his love lost. Cormac embodies the spirit of Christmas Day, even as it winds down. He shows us that all good things must come to an end. 

Lastly, we are visited by the mute and looming figure of the Ghost of Christmas Future (Satya Byers). Standing far above Scrooge in stilts and a long dark robe, their bony fingers grip a scythe. They show two vital scenes: The first being a wondrous celebration being led by Tom Jenkins (Yoabey Dilan) as the merchants take turns thanking Scrooge for his surprisingly kind act. The act is unknown by Scrooge, oblivious to his own casket on the ground. The next, a peek back into the Crachit family home as they mourn the loss of Tiny Tim. 

The realization lands a final blow to Scrooge, who is suddenly reunited with Jacob Marley and a group of demons. They inform Scrooge that he’s gone to hell and that his arrival is an early one. Because of this, his chains are not yet ready for him considering the sheer size. The scene ends with a mortified Scrooge being wrapped with his finalized chains.

Scrooge wakes the morning of Christmas Day, surprised to find himself alive and well. He vows to do better and with great haste, buys the lot of toys from the Pringles’ toy shop and a turkey to replace the meager meal the Crachits purchased. The people around him are baffled by the complete change overnight. He asks for the family’s confidence in ensuring he will find them the best doctors for Tiny Tim and starts to reconcile with his nephew.

Liz Podolski, who portrays Bob Crachit’s wife, builds a strong and realistic portrayal of familial love. Their combined scenes with the other Crachit children, played by Mia Contreras, Cullen Brady, and Josephine Fiore was precious and at times heart-wrenching. 

Scrooge is intimidating with even his relaxed face being a scowl - no doubt the impressive work of makeup designers Satya Byers and Yoabey Dilan. What truly brings this character from page to reality is his actor Nathan Moore. Despite how unapologetic and harsh Scrooge has to be, he is still devilishly funny and cartoonish with how lively he is. From shouting in anger to weeping in remorse, Nathan delivers a stellar performance with powerful vocals. The emotional and vocal range of this cast is hard to rival. 

We get to view the labor of costume designer, Philip Pallitto and assistant Karen Sutherland. It is no small feat to dress such a large cast in historically-inspired clothing to teleport you into the time period, but they did a marvelous job. From the chains wrapped around the tormented soul of Jacob Marley to the candle carried by the Ghost of Christmas Past, everything is picture perfect. 

When we see the heavy chains, we hear sound engineers Michael Kropinack and Rob Tucker at work, with the unsettling sounds of rattling. This in combination with the echoey effect on Jacob’s voice is a master lesson in effective sound-scaping. Green lights stylistically used by lighting technician Am Walsh paint a disturbing fever dream of what is, what was, and what could be.

The music numbers are flawless thanks to the musical direction of Brian Conover. At times, actors were out in the audience seats - making it an interactive experience. When one demon popped behind us, many were jolted by the sudden presence. Bravo to choreographer Karen Cleighton. The heartbeat that carried the production is the live band situated on the balcony behind us, comprised of musicians Brian Conover, Henry Moore, Phil Polsinelli, Marc Spratz, Trish Giangiulio, Matt Whitcomb, and Jeremiah Paton.

Without the rest of the ensemble, the world would not be as rounded. Party attendees, friendly merchants, fierce demons, and giggling school children are what make such a grand story whole. This includes Janelle Hawkes, Lucien Hartt, Chase Allen, lan Brady, Paloma Chevere, Gail Christian, Alissa Dirato, Kristann Dolinsky, Gabe Lewis, Zoë Lew Jones, and Sydney Koz Chin. Stage manager Kim Tunney alongside technical directors Peter Avagliano and Jason Spatz keep everything organized and running smooth. 

This keeps director Chip Garrison’s vision clear for such an ambitious and successful production. Chip brings all the elements that make this story so captivating even now: hardship, horror, grief, love, and the ability to change. This show is a must see.

Scrooge: The Musical runs from December 5th-7th and 12th-14th at the Gateway Playhouse of Somers Point. You can find tickets here: 

https://m.gatewaybythebay.org/Tickets.cfm