Strong actors, technicians save Playhouse’s ‘Scrooge’
By STEPHANIE OTTEY
YOUNGSTOWN
’Tis the season for holiday theater productions, and this year the Youngstown Playhouse is offering the musical “Scrooge” to share in the festivities.
The book, lyrics, and music of “Scrooge” are all written by Leslie Bricusse and tell the classic tale of “A Christmas Carol.”
A title like “Scrooge” suggests that Bricusse’s adaptation might differ from the book by Charles Dickens, but there is nothing in this production to suggest this is a unique telling. The lack of ingenuity on Bricusse’s part comes as a bit of a disappointment.
The script is predictable and tired, the characters are recycled, and the music is unnecessary and plain. The songs neglect to propel the story line or maintain any great musical value, but they do reflect on the positive thinking and generosity of spirit that “A Christmas Carol” encourages.
The script may be underwhelming, but director Chris Ferencik utilizes a solid cast and crew to make it shine as much as possible. Ferencik begins by casting a stellar leading man: Tom O’Donnell.
O’Donnell shapes Ebenezer Scrooge into more than a caricature of a miserly old man; he gives him the depth of bitterness and loneliness that often is lacking in the famous character. Though the frugal and cold facade of Ebenezer remains solidly intact, O’Donnell gains sympathy for Scrooge long before the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come arrives. He adopts a gravelly tone of voice and stiff, prissy movements to flesh out the character.
The rest of Ferencik’s casting is equally smart. Robert Morris is an exceptionally lovable Bob Cratchit with a bright, clear vocal tone that lifts “Christmas Chidren” to its hightest potential. It’s unfortunate that his vocal talents aren’t used more frequently in the show.
Josh Fleming and Lauren May Wenick are also stand-out vocalists. Their duet in “Happiness” is bittersweet and lovely.
The young Snezana Jelic, last seen as Baby June in “Gypsy,” is stellar again as Tiny Tim. She is firm and sure on stage and commands her role gracefully.
Joe Malys (Tom Jenkins/Soup Seller), Elizabeth Nalepa (Ghost of Christmas Past), Russell Nalepa (Ghost of Christmas Present), and Jill Cataldi (Mrs. Cratchit) also add to the value of the production.
The show has some technical merits as well. Jim Lybarger’s lighting design is dramatic and effective in setting the proper moods of the show, and Tony Kropp’s costume design is contemporary and unified.
The biggest downfall of the production (aside from the script itself) lies in the sound design. From beginning to end, the show struggles to find the correct balance of volume between the vocalists and the small orchestra. The musicians are often overwhelmed by booming voices. At other times the vocalists are completely inaudible. This is caused by poor amplification/acoustics and misguided blocking, although it seems a few moments of silence may have been due to forgotten lyrics.
Some of the musical numbers suffer from lack of choreography, although “December the 25” is energetic and cute. “Thank You Very Much” also is visually stimulating, although the “dancing” gurney (with body bag) is a kooky and slightly unsettling addition.
Though The Playhouse drew the short straw in selecting its holiday show, its spirit is undeniable.
With a surprise rededication of the Playhouse lobby in the name of Board President Rand Becker, opening night was festive and lighthearted.
“Scrooge” runs on weekends through next Sunday at the Youngstown Playhouse, 600 Playhouse Lane off Glenwood Avenue on Youngstown’s South Side.
Call 330-788-8739 for details and reservations.