[Dixielandjazz] Christmas OKOM

[Steve barbone]

If you are in NYC with the kids, here's a thought for entertainment. A great
story, coupled with good music. Sure to please.

Cheers,
Steve

NY TIMES REVIEW |'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'-LAWRENCE VAN GELDER-December 17, 2005

Question: What would Christmas be without Ebenezer Scrooge?

Answer: Not as much fun as it is at the Lucille Lortel Theater, where
Theaterworks/NYC has dusted off the old Dickens skinflint for its welcome
musical version of "A Christmas Carol."

This satisfying 90-minute two-act show applies lively eclectic live music
(by Dick Gallagher), literate lyrics (Mark Waldrop) and some enthusiastic
dancing (choreographed by David Armstrong, who also wrote the frequently
funny book and served as director) to its retelling of the immortal tale of
a misanthrope's redemption.

Best of all is the cast, led by Herndon Lackey as Scrooge. With an uneven
growth of stringy white hair, a caustic sneer, shoulders hunched from many a
long day in the counting house and a booming voice that brooks no
contradiction, the surviving partner in Scrooge & Marley is a meanie to
beware.

Little wonder that when the hulking, silent, shaggy, spooky Ghost of
Christmas Future (Stewart Gregory), who points with hideously spiky
fingernails, compels Scrooge to witness the aftermath of his demise, the
young parents he evicted on Christmas Eve and his own housekeeper are
joyfully singing "Guess Who Kicked the Bucket Last Night."

These and other characters, from the chain-draped ghost of Marley and the
good-natured old boss Fezziwig (Kevin Del Aguila) to Bob Cratchit and Dick
Wilkins (both played by Christopher Guilmet) and Tiny Tim (Miles Kath), are
admirably played by versatile performers.

This "Christmas Carol" adds up to spirited entertainment.

"A Christmas Carol" continues through Dec. 31 at the Lucille Lortel Theater,
121 Christopher Street, West Village; (212) 279-4200.