'Scrooge' review: A true Lockport tradition
Saturday December 8, 2012 | By:Rikki Cason |
An annual Lockport holiday tradition hit the stage this past weekend at the Lockport Palace Theatre. I would consider the ninth annual showing of “Scrooge the Musical” another success.
There are a wide variety of versions of a “Christmas Carol,” the story of Ebenezer Scrooge going from the “bahumbug” ranting, unhappy man to a man with a positive Christmas attitude, being thankful for all he has. So as I sat down to watch this musical for the first time I was unsure which version would be told.
As the musical began, the production was just that, a musical. The entire show, including dialog, was told through song. This version highlighted a lot of very talented voices from around Western New York.
Playing the lead role of Scrooge was Dennis Donovan. He did a very good job at the role and I enjoyed his portrayal of the character. He did not take Scrooge too over the top with being mean and nasty. He showed a character that was bitter and angry at the world but inside did want to change.
Another highlight was actor Brian Dick who played the Future Ghost. When Dick first walked on stage with a black cloak on and the skeleton looking hands, it was perfect. The lights, the music and the dancing that accompanied his entrance also added to a wonderful effect.
The musical was also very interactive, with various actors walking up through the aisles and including people in the audience. With the wide isles at the Palace, the option of actors walking through the house is a plus.
One of the best musical numbers in the production was Mr. Fezziwig, where the cast had a chance to dance and sing in a more of a swing style number. It was a nice change of pace from the slower tempo of music throughout most of the production.
Though only in one scene of this performance, Palace regulars Amy Jakiel and Matt Iwanski were once again a dynamic duo, playing the part of Scrooge’s one-time love Belle and her now husband Mr. Topper.
Austin Dick, who played Tiny Tim was also fantastic playing the well-known parts of the little boy with a crutch.
Finally, at the end of the production, where the entire cast sang “Joy to the World” also reinforced the holiday meaning and the importance of coming together and being thankful at Christmas time.
Overall the cast and crew did a wonderful job on this annual production. I think it really is a production that gets the community in the spirit and helps kick off the Christmas season.
Though it will not be performed again in Lockport until next year, it is definitely something the area should consider attending in 2013.
This is also just one of many productions performed on the Palace stage throughout the year. The next performance will be Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 and 3 p.m. Jan. 20.
There are a wide variety of versions of a “Christmas Carol,” the story of Ebenezer Scrooge going from the “bahumbug” ranting, unhappy man to a man with a positive Christmas attitude, being thankful for all he has. So as I sat down to watch this musical for the first time I was unsure which version would be told.
As the musical began, the production was just that, a musical. The entire show, including dialog, was told through song. This version highlighted a lot of very talented voices from around Western New York.
Playing the lead role of Scrooge was Dennis Donovan. He did a very good job at the role and I enjoyed his portrayal of the character. He did not take Scrooge too over the top with being mean and nasty. He showed a character that was bitter and angry at the world but inside did want to change.
Another highlight was actor Brian Dick who played the Future Ghost. When Dick first walked on stage with a black cloak on and the skeleton looking hands, it was perfect. The lights, the music and the dancing that accompanied his entrance also added to a wonderful effect.
The musical was also very interactive, with various actors walking up through the aisles and including people in the audience. With the wide isles at the Palace, the option of actors walking through the house is a plus.
One of the best musical numbers in the production was Mr. Fezziwig, where the cast had a chance to dance and sing in a more of a swing style number. It was a nice change of pace from the slower tempo of music throughout most of the production.
Though only in one scene of this performance, Palace regulars Amy Jakiel and Matt Iwanski were once again a dynamic duo, playing the part of Scrooge’s one-time love Belle and her now husband Mr. Topper.
Austin Dick, who played Tiny Tim was also fantastic playing the well-known parts of the little boy with a crutch.
Finally, at the end of the production, where the entire cast sang “Joy to the World” also reinforced the holiday meaning and the importance of coming together and being thankful at Christmas time.
Overall the cast and crew did a wonderful job on this annual production. I think it really is a production that gets the community in the spirit and helps kick off the Christmas season.
Though it will not be performed again in Lockport until next year, it is definitely something the area should consider attending in 2013.
This is also just one of many productions performed on the Palace stage throughout the year. The next performance will be Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 and 3 p.m. Jan. 20.
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