A Christmas Carol
The LOST Theatre
19th to 31st Dec 2016
“Charles Dickens’ timeless classic gets the full Broadway treatment in LOST Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol – The Musical, by the Broadway team of Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid), Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical) and Mike Ockrent (Crazy For You, Me and My Girl).
Who doesn’t love Menken’s music? Well for the 1st time in the UK this brilliant show has come to the LOST Theatre. The show was presented annually at New York City’s Paramount Theatre in Madison Square Garden from 1 December 1994 to 27 December 2003. It became a classic of shows to see, alongside such shows as the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall starring the World famous Rockettes.
The LOST Theatre may not have the budget to compete with the theatre-in-the-round style of the Paramount with lots of motorised trucks to move the scenic elements around, however the Set (created by the LOST Team with Scenic Art by Ella Wheway) is stunning! From the moment you arrive, the entrance doors are part of the Set which continues along the front aisles and over and up onto the stage.
I especially liked how the quirky entrances and exits of the venue were fully incorprated into the Set Design and the show’s blocking!
Martin John Bristow has integrated some lovely video projections for flying ghosts, apparitions and other magical moments.
Artistic Director Mark Magill (and Martin John Bristow) have put together a high energy, multi-layered show full of energy and enthusiasm aided by a large cast of 23!
The Opening Songs of both Acts have some beautiful harmonies and there are touching moments throughout. The choreography, although twee, comes thick and fast and is simple enough to hold the ensemble unison. The costumes (James Thacker) are all period and look so lavish on this Set!!!
The lighting cleverly takes us between “Ghost/Dream Worlds” and back to the “Real World” with vibrant use of colour for the knees-up musical numbers! Nicely done!
Stand out performances from Rebecca Westberry, Katrina Winters and Jessica Finn as the 3 Ghosts. Toby Joyce as Bob Cratchitt also gave a great performance!!!
This might be your one chance to catch this Broadway Beauty of a show this side of the Atlantic so I highly recommend you go see it!
