A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Holiday Cheer and Tradition

The company of A Christmas Carol: the Musical at Lake Country Playhouse. Photo credit: Jim Baker.

A review of A Christmas Carol: the Musical

by Sofia Gilson, age 16

A Christmas Carol is a classic Christmas tale, constantly retold through many media forms, following Ebenezer Scrooge and the visitation of four ghosts to inform him that his constant greed and visceral hatred of the holiday season will lead to his demise. In Lake Country Playhouse’s fourteenth annual production of this show, they have truly mastered how to deliver the impactful story, with an incredibly well-made set and costumes.

Upon first entering the theatre, the large books with the show’s title inscribed across them seemed like a simple set (designed by Joe Rayman and Bob Hurd). To my surprise, however, they were opened to reveal beautifully painted backdrops throughout the scenes! It was a wonderful multi-purpose way to show transitions in location. The paint used for the Ghost of Christmas Past or Scrooge’s name across his tomb that was only visible under blacklight was a great, subtle choice as well, hiding those images only until they needed to be seen. The well-made backdrops were paired with tasteful furniture and props. The Christmas turkey was properly large! Directionally, many of the scenes felt like they were very far on one side of the stage or the other. I would have preferred some key locations, like Scrooge’s bedroom or office, to be more in the center of the stage so all actors and sets were visible from every seat.

The costumes throughout the show (designed along with props by Nancy Hurd, Sharon Jahneke, and Paula Norwig) were tastefully made, with care to show distinction between the rich Scrooge and the poorer townspeople and Cratchit Family. The chains Jacob Marley wore were perfectly noisy, and the bricks entangled in them were a great choice! The Christmas lights in the Ghost of Christmas Past’s veil were a bit distracting, although the additional light it created in the eerie night made the choice understandable.

This Lake Country Playhouse production of A Christmas Carol was crafted with great appreciation for the holiday season and Charles Dickens’ original story. The singing of carols and reading of a Christmas story before the show, as well as the passing out of Christmas cookies during intermission, made a delightful, festive atmosphere. The set and costumes were created wonderfully, and the talented, multigenerational cast brought this musical to life incredibly well!

See more productions like this at Lake Country Playhouse!