Chamberlain uncorks holiday spirit early

It's fascinating to watch Richard Chamberlain transform from a cruel, loathsome miser to a generous spirit in "Scrooge, the Musical."

As Scrooge's hateful persona begins to crack, revealing human vulnerability, everything about Chamberlain changes. The veteran stage and screen actor transforms his stance, his face, his expression and movement as the character wakes from his cold, hard-bargaining existence. Even his voice becomes open and full as he warms to the possibility of becoming a kinder human being.

Chamberlain may not be a strong singer -he recites many lyrics instead of singing them- but his expression of the character is so nuanced and articulate we never want for more.

He's a delight to watch, ranging from condemning to elated to, in one scene in which he reunites with the ghost of his dearly loved and long-dead sister, quite moving.

Many highlights in the cast round out this solid musical, including Todd Gross as Bob Cratchit and Chicago actors George Keating as a lively Tom Jenkins, Larry Adams as a robust, booming Ghost of Christmas Present and Roberta Duchak as a charming Ghost of Christmas Past.

All of them have beautiful voices, which lend vigor to the music and the chorus scenes. The 27-strong cast filled the stage and the audience's ears in every big musical number.

One such scene, set in a marketplace, was as fun to watch as to listen to because of the groupings and goings-on of the vendors, buyers and children watching a puppet show. That's a credit to director Bob Tomson.

A few flaws marred the musical, including shaky singing during some solos and a set that, though massive, had a drab palette and slightly cartoonish feel that didn't serve the play well.

The lighting went from darker to brighter as Scrooge's gloom lifted, but some scenes at the beginning were a little too dark for comfortable viewing. And lighting in Scrooge's office meant to simulate the sun coming through windowpanes was distracting.

Those aside, "Scrooge" packs a wallop of soul-searching, hope and Dickensian jollity. Even though it's barely Halloween, it makes you long for the Christmas season.

© 2004 Pam DeFiglio

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