North Shore Music Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol' is an Everlasting Tradition

Beware the three spirits on Christmas Eve.

North Shore Music Theatre presents its annual holiday showing of A Christmas Carol. Based on the classic novel written by Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge is not fond of Christmas. Discouraging the holiday spirits of those around him, one night, that all changes. Scrooge is haunted by three specters who open his mind about his past, present, and future.

Seeing A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre is a tradition for many families. It’s one of my favorite shows. The cast of A Christmas Carol unearths a valuable message to stay present in the moment, leave the past in the shadows, and don’t fret about the future.

David Coffee’s exuberant charisma as Ebenezer Scrooge is a delight. Holding onto mistakes from the past has left Scrooge a bitter man. Coffee is always remarkable in his sharp deliveries, primarily when he is happily dancing about the stage. Coffee conducts a wonderful performance as Scrooge, embodying this character.

Returning to his role as the Narrator, Sommer Carbuccia does an outstanding job dictating the mystical story. Wearing a prosthetic leg, Carbuccia is a role model, both as his character and to all audiences.

I was so excited to see Ryan Knowles as the ghostly Jacob Marley. You may recognize Knowles (A.K,A Jim Carrey in disguise as I called him) from Little Shop of Horrors this past fall at NSMT. Startling audiences with his effective and jarring vocals, Marley’s presence is a pivotal scene-stealer of A Christmas Carol.

Presenting Scrooge with his past, present, and what is yet to come, the three ghosts were all significant. Elegantly gracing the stage with her beautiful singing voice, Leigh Barrett was wonderful as the Ghost of Christmas Past.

A new face is welcomed as The Ghost of Christmas Present. Most noteworthy for her portrayal as Cinderella’s stepsister in July, Jaelle Laguerre obtained a fresh interpretation of this extraordinary role. She was outstanding, belting an upbeat laugh.

There is no such thing as a small part in the theater. Applause goes to Flora Dickens and Drew Porrett for their mastered acrobatics. Cheryl McMahon is humorous as ever in her unforgettable performance as Mrs. Dilber.

Other notable credits include Russell Garrett (Bob Cratchit), Bronson Norris Turner (Fred), Derek Luscutoff (Young Scrooge), Turner Riley (Belle), and J.T. Turner (Mr. Fezziwig).

An entire ensemble lights up the stage with their holly jolly Christmas cheer. My favorite sequence is always Fezziwig’s party. They’re all having a fun time. This sequence always makes me dance along in my seat.

The technical crew of NSMT’s A Christmas Carol is hard at work incorporating special effects, sound design, a live orchestra, and gorgeous costume pieces. Audiences (particularly younger children) should be made aware of strobe lighting effects and loud noises during Scrooge and Marley’s scene. Christmas Yet to Come has an ominous appearance.

The message of A Christmas Carol cannot go unnoticed. Kevin P. Hill wonderfully enforces this message to all audiences. Quoting a line from the new movie Spirited, what is the past doing in the present? Don’t spend time fretting about events that have occurred in the past. Stay present at the moment and look forward to what the future holds.

If you think that it’s worth only seeing A Christmas Carol at NSMT once, think again. NSMT finds new ways to enhance A Christmas Carol every year. Change is a tremendous theme in A Christmas Carol.

Take the whole family out to see A Christmas Carol at North Shore Music Theatre this holiday season. The experience is worthwhile.