‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Jack Thorne
Directed by Matthew Warchus
Through January 5, 2020
Lyceum Theatre
149 West 45th Street
(212-239-6200), www.AChristmasCarolBroadway.com

By David NouNou

Stripped of the treacle and mawkishness usually associated with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Jack Thorne has adapted and reshaped this tale into what would now be termed an “alternate universe.” Although being a purist at heart, one who normally prefers traditional presentations, I was nonetheless fascinated and enchanted by how this story maintains most of the central characters, with slight tweaks and character modifications. Mr. Thorne’s adaptation has slightly changed the dynamics and perception of an oft-told tale, with all the fat trimmed off.

Thanks in large part to Matthew Warchus’ seamless and fast-paced direction; one doesn’t dwell on the traditional version because Jack Thorne and Mr. Warchus allow the viewer to see Dickens’ classic from a different lens. Ebenezer Scrooge (Campbell Scott) is still a miserly crotchety skinflint but due to Mr. Scott’s youthful appearance, Ebenezer now has some sex appeal. Here, Mr. Thorne inserts Ebenezer’s cruel and drunken father (Chris Hoch), to show how Ebenezer took the wrong fork in the road to become what he is today.

Scrooge here does have psychological problems and doesn’t really see the error of his ways. Scrooge is still visited by the ghost of Marley (Chris Hoch), his late lending partner. Marley warns him about the ghosts that will come to visit him after midnight, and he better change his miserly ways. The Ghost of Christmas Past (Andrea Martin), Ghost of Christmas Present, replete with a Caribbean accent (La Chanze) and Ghost of Christmas Future (Rachel Prather) all make appearances. Ms. Prather doubles as well his late sister Fan in a dual role. His change here isn’t so much out of moral obligation as it is expeditious.

The two standout performances are, of course, Andrea Martin, a delight as usual, and La Chanze is imposing; the Caribbean accent is a bonus in all-too-brief moments. What is lacking is a dynamic Scrooge. It is interesting to note here that Mr. Scott’s father was the late George C. Scott, a formidable actor who gave a brilliant TV rendition of Scrooge. Campbell Scott, although a fine actor, lacks the forcefulness that his father brought to the role.

All in all, if you are looking for a slightly reimagined A Christmas Carol, along with Christmas carols, including “Joy to the World”, Silent Night, and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” and a surprising immersive, interactive Christmas experience, I highly recommend this version. Coming out of the show, one feels the Christmas season has officially begun.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published November 24, 2019
Reviewed at November 23, 2019 press performance.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ (left to right) Andrea Martin, LaChanze, Campbell Scott (center) & Rachel Prather. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott & Dashiell Eaves. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Andrea Martin. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott & LaChanze. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Sarah Hunt & Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Chris Hoch & Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: The cast. Photo: Joan Marcus

The post ‘A Christmas Carol’: Dickensian with a twist appeared first on StageZine.

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’: Andy Karl. Photo: Joan Marcus

GROUNDHOG DAY
Book by Danny Rubin
Music & lyrics by Tim Minchin
Directed by Matthew Warchus
Choreographed by Peter Darling
August Wilson Theatre
245 West  52nd Street
(877-250-2929), www.Groundhogdaymusical.com

By David NouNou

Turning a motion picture into a musical is nothing new. It was done earlier this season to disastrous results. However, when you bring in talented people—the likes of: writer, Danny Rubin, who wrote the original screenplay for Groundhog Day; songsmith Tim Minchin, who gave us Matilda; an especially adept and creative director, Matthew Marchus, who did Matilda, Follies, among endless other shows; and expert choreographer, Peter Darling, all people who know what they are doing—and throw in the incredible Andy Karl, you have yourself a winning combination that keeps giving, and giving, and giving, and giving.

As part of his job and against his will, Phil Connors (Andy Karl),an arrogant and obnoxious weatherman in Pittsburgh, is assigned to go to Punxsutawney, PA to cover the annual Groundhog Day. It is a cold and bitter winter day, February 2nd, in a dreary, humdrum town, with conventional people and nothing much to do but cover the damn groundhog story to see if it sees its shadow or not. This is the day Phil has been cursed with to repeat again and again until he gets it right.

Of course, there is Rita (Barrett Doss), Phil’s associate producer and ultimately his love interest, who helps him get on the path of redemption and the colorful townsfolk of Punxutawwney: the mayor; Ned Ryerson, the insurance salesman; Nancy, the lovely town beauty; the town drunks Gus and Ralph; they are all here. In addition, there are also all the ways that Phil tries to free himself of this awful nightmare.

Just like the clever spinning set by Rob Howell, Matthew Warchus keeps the story line spinning cleverly with so many brilliant touches that it would rob the viewer to mention these surprises. Suffice it to say it keeps up with the movie.

The fireworks that burst from the stage are nothing more than the vibrant talents of Andy Karl. He is a one-man irresistible dynamo. In the movie you had Bill Murray who is a larger-than-life character great for the screen. For a stage adapted musical, you need an actor, singer, charmer, and extraordinary likable guy and that is Andy Karl. In case you need further incentive to see Groundhog Day, just a couple of weeks ago it won the Olivier Awards in London for “best new musical” and “best musical actor,” Andy Karl. The Oliviers are Britain’s version of the Tony Awards. Enjoy.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published April 23, 2017
Reviewed at performance on April 22, 2017

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’: Andy Karl. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’: John Sanders & Andy Karl. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’: Andy Karl & Barrett Doss. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’: Barrett Doss & Andy Karl. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’: Andy Karl & Barrett Doss. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘GROUNDHOG DAY’: The cast. Photo: Joan Marcus

The post ‘Groundhog Day’ is a hit & a hit & a hit appeared first on StageZine.