December 13, 2012

Somehow, people keep coming; some as newcomers and some as longtime tradition-observing fans.

This year, The Rep did not use one of its own for the key role of Scrooge, and although I have enjoyed Jonathan Daly, Lee Ernst and James Pickering in the role for many years, a new face and an actor with such prestigious credits and talents has infused new life into the production. Chistopher Donahue is especially vibrant after his transformation. He brings both angst and humor into the role.

Other actors, some of them new to the scene, also created distinctive characters. Ghost of Christmas Present as portrayed by Melody Betts is a bigger-than-life figure not to be ignored. Did her parents give her that name, or did some director bestow it on her upon hearing her sing? Wow, on all counts.

Renata Friedman is strong in her dual roles as Mrs. Dilber and Lucy. She knows how to get a laugh. I especially liked Jonathan Wainwright’s portrayal of Bob Cratchit. His warmth and optimism are apparent. He is very lovable, best Cratchit I’ve seen in years.  

Luigi Sottile is very strong as Fred, Scrooge’s persistent nephew. Among the children, Luke Brotherhood shines as Smudge, and Jack Triton and Kate Ketelhorn, who alternated in the role of Tiny Tim, both enunciate beautifully. 

Gerald Neugent as ever is able to transform himself convincingly into the macabre Jacob Marley, the conniving Old Joe and the proper minister, Rev. Waghorn. What can’t Neugent do?

Margorie Bradley Kellogg’s stunning set, Martha Halley’s sumptuous costumes and Barry G. Funderburg and Thom Weaver’s ambient sound and lighting designs all contribute their aesthetic and technical wonders so that changes and atmospheres are created and maintained. There were times I could hear the wondrous gasps of children in the audience as scenes changed and certain effects were created.

The story of redemption echoes through the years. Humans are certainly capable of greed, pettiness and selfishness. They are also capable of love, forgiveness and hope. We’ve probably all been somewhere on the continuum many times in our lives. We’ve all made mistakes, experienced regret and tried to change. We relate to Scrooge and to Fred and to Bob Cratchit.  We also can empathize with Belle as she feels neglected by the young Scrooge who chooses ambition over love. We have all worried about a sick child or wondered if we will be pleased with our life as it comes to a close. There’s enough to ponder here.

So, there is much to derive from this story, and when it is told with such splendid music and masterful acting against such an amazing backdrop, we are apt to gain more than we would from merely reading it. 

When Charles Dickens published this story in serial fashion for a magazine, how could he have ever envisioned its long life, its many altered versions and the millions of people who have gained from the experience of it?

I saw three different productions of it at the Fireside Theater, Lake Country Playhouse and The Rep’s in the past couple of weeks, and I still enjoy the variations in its presentation and the continuing relevance of its message.

“A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 24 at the Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St., Milwaukee. For show times and tickets, visit www.milwaukeerep.com Ticket prices range from $15 to $70.