NeverlandNEXT Chapter's "A Christmas Carol": A Moving and Festive Production

My chance of hope is being haunted by three spirits.

For its second holiday season, NeverlandNEXT Chapter performed Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Tony Bellerose. Ebenezer Scrooge despises the holidays and keeps everyone at arm's length. One night, he is visited by three specters, who show him his past, present, and future, to help him change his attitude for the better.

I saw NeverlandNEXT Chapter’s “A Christmas Carol” last year, and I was very excited to see it again. Not only did the play get audiences into the festive holiday spirit, but this rendition also created new scenes that evolved characters and the story. The message of “A Christmas Carol” is vital: don’t live in the past, remain present, and look forward to the future.

Tony Bellerose returned as Ebenezer Scrooge after his terrific performance in last year’s show. Bellerose’s abilities have grown, and he achieves a genuine, emotional, and enriching performance as Scrooge. I liked the humorous voice he created, especially when shouting “Humbug!” Scrooge is a relatable character who teaches audiences to move on from demons.

Bellerose also contributed to this adaptation. He wrote scenes depicting Scrooge’s childhood, relationships, and even wrote and memorized a monologue TWO DAYS BEFORE the show weekend, depicting Scrooge’s change of heart. I didn’t learn this until after the performance, and I was so impressed with Bellerose’s commitment.

A strong supporting cast accompanied “A Christmas Carol.” Each character is important in Scrooge’s journey. I will never stop saying it, no small part is ever too small in the theater. “A Christmas Carol” has several ensemble opportunities, who were enjoying themselves throughout the tale.

Nadia Robertson Gemma and Amos Madruga reprise their roles as Christmas Past and Present. Gemma infuses a kind, graceful, and nurturing presence, while Amos Madruga incorporates a captivating joy and rich persona. They both show Scrooge important moments that have influenced who he is.

Patricia Kelly narrates the tale. Scenes between Kelly and Bellerose were my favorite, as they bickered about her choice of words and events. Other than scene narration, the narrator had a moving revelation.

As the ghostly specter Jacob Marley, Joshua Madruga accomplished a startling and ghoulish performance. I always look forward to the confrontation between Scrooge and Marley. Bellerose and Joshua Madruga were fantastic together as they took the scene into the audience, with Scrooge trying to hide behind someone.

The ensemble played a variety of roles, including Bob Cratchit (Tom Ostrowski), Mrs. Cratchit (Cassidy Doherty), Fred (Alex Bensley), Mr. Fezziwig (David Scannel), Christmas Yet to Come (Richard Griffiths), and several more. A children’s ensemble was also included, who tormented Scrooge with their Christmas caroling and running about the stage.

Andy Diskes directed “A Christmas Carol,” bringing heart, holiday joy, and passion to the stage. The cast’s energy radiated in scenes like the Cratchits’ Christmas dinner and dancing in Fezziwig’s lively party. Bellerose’s original song, 'Remember Me,' was a lovely ensemble number.

“A Christmas Carol” was set in the Peabody Black Box theater, an excellent venue for staging. I felt like I was part of the Victorian setting. Special effects included strobe lighting, projections, period costumes, and fog during Marley’s visit.

“A Christmas Carol” is all about change. Similar to the story’s message about evolving, NeverlandNEXT Chapter’s latest rendition evolved from last year’s production. It’s a powerful message that you can do anything with theater through connection, working together, and hard work.

Well done to NeverlandNEXT Chapter’s “A Christmas Carol” for a festive, moving, and fun retelling of Dickens’ classic story. It got me into the holiday spirit, singing along to Christmas tunes.