Oakdale's 'Scrooge' inviting and fresh
04 December 2004

Based upon Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," the Leslie Bricusse (book, lyrics, and music) production arrives with considerable magic including smoke and mirrors. Still, the classic tale will be most recognizable to all in attendance.

Chamberlain is on stage almost immediately. He is non-evocative of "Dr. Kildare," "The Thorn Birds" or "Shogun." The stage actor is grumpy, disheveled, scornful and, most importantly, very much at home with the current environs.

The actor is not a singer. Yet he makes the most of many musical opportunities by effectively talking his way through tune after tune. Chamberlain has a fine grasp of phrasing and pace. Keep Rex Harrison's splendid work in "My Fair Lady" in mind as you watch Chamberlain craft a lyric line.

Besides, Chamberlain, the picture of poise, is masterful with his timing. He holds the audience for a moment before delivering a line. He punctuates harshly during the early going as he personifies the haughty, parsimonious Scrooge. Later, when he sees the light (and Nick Richings' lighting is an asset during the show), Chamberlain's Scrooge grows fittingly more pensive, conciliatory, and giving. This follows the Dickens storyline quite closely.

Bricusse provides significant stage time for actor George Keating who plays Tom Jenkins, a food seller by profession. Jenkins owes Scrooge a significant sum of money. Keating leads the company in "Father Christmas" early during the first act. He begins the second act with a winning rendition of "The Milk of Human Kindness."

Scrooge's dead business partner, Jacob Marley (Jonathan Weir), with chains affixed to him, visits. Later, Marley advises Scrooge that the elder man will be shackled even more significantly unless he transforms into a more beneficent soul. If Marley's chains were devised during his lifetime, those for Scrooge, fashioned seven years earlier, will be that much more extensive.

Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come all approach Scrooge. Ebenezer finds that Tiny Tim (Ben Ratskoff, a boy with a lovely soprano voice) will certainly die unless he receives proper medical care. Just in time, Scrooge reacts. He buys presents for those he formerly treated with disdain. He dresses as Santa Claus and, ultimately, befriends all while amplifying good things in this lifetime.

Director Bob Tomson and choreographer Lisa Kent combine to fuel the musical with spirited production numbers. Paul Farnswoth creats designs including a variety of multi-dimensional set pieces and Paul Kieve facilitates characters who come and go through touches of the very surreal.

The music director/conductor (Edward G. Robinson) for "Scooge - The musical" began the opening night performance a few moments late since he appeared to be taking some last minute instructions via telephone. Hence, the lead number, "Opening," started twice.

One of the most influential songs in Bricusse's repertoire is "Make the Most of this World." Chamberlain seems to be recalling those lyrics when he sings "A Better Life" during the second act. At last, he concludes, "I'll Begin Again."

In all, the current "Scrooge" is inviting, fresh, and nothing short of invigorating. The translation of original Dickens into musical form retains the original messages and expands possibilities.

© 2004 Fred Sokol