The timely tale of redemption couldn't come at a more perfect time as "A Christmas Carol The Musical", based on the story told by Charles Dickens, is magically gracing the stage of the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.
This beloved Christmas favorite is told by an awesome cast of characters that is sure to get any Scrooge in the mood for the holiday.
Leading the cast is actor Robert Tully as Scrooge himself. He is believable and is a pleasure to watch on stage as he makes his transformation as a cold-hearted miser into the charitable rich man he should have become. The audience really gets to see the Scrooge effect take place, a phenomenon of increased generosity following an encounter with mortality.
The show begins with a very dreary and dark London and Broadway Palm does a great job with lighting by Chris McClearly and set design by Evan Adamson, to take the audience there.
Director and Choreographer Ford Haeuser should be commended for keeping the show moving forward and using every inch of the stage for this hefty cast without it ever seeming crowded.
All of the main characters in the show deliver solidly in their performances including Scrooge's clerk, Bob Cratchit played by Caleb Aguilar, who was a delight to watch along with Reid Wylie who is one of the actors who plays Tiny Tim, the Cratchit's ill son.
While I can't imagine there is anyone who isn't familiar with Dickens tale... it tells the story of a man who hates Christmas and doesn't understand the true meaning of the holiday until he is visited by ghosts who remind him.
The Ghost of Christmas Past played delightfully by Grace Atherholt who delivers an otherworldly rendition of "The Lights of Long Ago" and helps Scrooge reflect on his memories as a child and young man. It's this scene where the audience understands what led to Scrooge's need to put money first.
It's also at this time when we see his beautiful girlfriend Emily played by Megan Urz, who helps deliver a beautiful scene with a song called "A Place Called Home."
The Ghost of Christmas Present is played by James Major Burns while the Ghost of Christmas Future is played by Kiana Cintron.
Needless to say, the show is filled with some very talented actors who do a phenomenal job of bringing the story to life with a lot of good music and the orchestra should also be commended for their magnificent work, although there were times, they seem to drown out the vocalists.
Overall this is a show that should not be missed and The Broadway Palm is all decked out for the holidays with numerous trees and decorations, complete with a sleigh filled with presents and undoubtedly provide the backdrop for some great holiday pictures for friends and family.
A Christmas Carol would make a great holiday gift for any age, and it runs through Christmas Day, December 25th and tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 239-278-4422 or booking online at BroadwayPalm.com .
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