OGDEN — Is it Christmastime in the theatre world before you have seen a production of A Christmas Carol? With so many adaptations, the Utah Theatre Community gives audiences the opportunity to make sure you get your change. In Ogden, Ogden Musical Theatre brings the beloved Charles Dicken’s tale to life, directed by Todd Wente, music directed by Caleb Saunders, and choreographed by Michael Hernandez. The story, of course, follows Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Chuck Gillmore, as he goes through an emotional transformation from miserly old greedy man to generous soul because he is visited by haunting spirits who teach him the true meaning of Christmas. A Christmas Carol has been told on stage with many adaptations, and Ogden Musical Theatre has chosen my favorite stage version, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent. The music in this one is unmatched for a stage version, and the book brings out the best of what Dickens has to offer.
What brings audiences back to this tale time and time again, and is OMT’s production worthy of the time and effort to experience the tale that we can watch from our tv, read on our couch, or experience through any number of tellings (of which the Muppets is personally the best)? The first thing that catches the eye with this production is the iconic set designed by Josh Roberts. Due to the popularity of movies set in England in the late 1800s, we have come to expect a certain look when a show is set in this place and time, and Roberts has created this with precision. From the stone buildings to the dimly lit streets, it feels like you are walking with the cast down an alleyway in London hoping to find someone who will donate a shilling so you can get dinner in a pub. The lighting design by Taylor Sachs adds to this ambiance and then enhances it in several scenes with great effect. During the scene when Scrooge first encounters Marley, played perfectly by Nick Cash, the eerie lighting reminds us that this is indeed a ghost story. Sachs’ lighting strength shows up again with the choices he makes in many different numbers, such as the opening of Act 2, where the incorporation of Christmas colors turns the mood to complete jolly, and the deep dark red and greys during the ghost of Christmas yet to come made the show almost a Halloween level horror. The costume design by Shelly Burkhardt paid significant detail to not only the time period, but also the distinct levels of rich and poor that make this story so important.
The choreography by Hernandez was also top tier. Some of the highlights were during the Fezziwig Ball and the ghost of Christmas yet to come, which both showcased the ability of Hernandez and the cast to utilize choreography to tell different elements of the story. The joy of the ball contrasted with the sorry of the potential future told by dance was a enchanting addition to this production. Musically, the direction by Saunders was exquisite. With the credentials in his bio, this is not surprising. The vocals of the ensemble felt as strong as any big choir, and it was hard to believe that this was a dancing ensemble rather than a group singing on risers. The running theme of the song “God Bless Us Everyone” is such a sweet and deep melody, and the harmonies that the ensemble built under the direction of Saunders were superb.
This cast was full of very strong performances by children. Theodore Kenneth Burton as Tiny Tim tugs at your heart strings from his initial entrance. When he and his father, Bob Cratchit, played by Peter K. Weiner, sing “You Mean More to Me”, it feels like the true spirit of Christmas come to life. The vocals of the chorus of children at the very beginning of the show were strong, round, and full, which is quite surprising for young children.
The direction of Wente brought this familiar story to the stage in a way that kept the audience riveted. The first act was under an hour and I watched the young children in front of me enthralled with the stage design, lighting, and the players as much as the older audience. What’s more, I found myself really impressed with the production quality. Considering the cost of a ticket, this show seemed to be at the same level as companies that charge three times as much. It seems that Ogden Musical Theatre company is a hidden gem. There were many empty seats at Peery’s Egyptian Theatre, and now more than ever, we need to see the story of charity and family.
