BEVERLY — North Shore Music Theatre’s innovative, family-friendly “A Christmas Carol” premiered at the arena stage back in 1989. I still have vivid memories of that remarkable production, a wonder that modernized and removed every bit of stodginess from the oft-performed holiday show.
It’s a cliche to say this isn’t your grandfather’s “Christmas Carol.” But Friday night’s audience was filled with smiling folks of all ages, and it was a joy to see children, parents and, yes, grandparents sitting together, taking delight in this feel-good story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from blackhearted grinch to benevolent, jolly gent.
If anything, this original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic by former NSMT artistic director Jon Kimbell and then-staffers David James and David Zoffoli has only improved through the years. Each year the show is tweaked here and there, but the creative team wisely keeps things pretty much the same.
One thing that’s remained constant is having David Coffee in the central role of Scrooge, which he’s now done for 26 years. He was born to play this part. He humanizes Scrooge. While the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future lead him through a replay/look ahead of his life’s journey, his wide-eyed wonder at happy memories and overwhelming sadness at a life wasted hasn’t lessened a bit.
Those who attend “A Christmas Carol” year after year will also recognize Cheryl McMahon (26 years as Mrs. Dilber), Leigh Barrett (10 years as The Ghost of Christmas Past), JT Turner (10 years as Mr. Fezziwig), Russell Garrett (nine years as Bob Cratchit), Tommy Labanaris (nine years as the narrator), Peter S. Adams (six years as the Ghost of Christmas Present), and Andy Tighe (five years as Scrooge’s nephew Fred). All give terrific performances.
First-timers Alex Puette, who played Nick in this summer’s “Jersey Boys,” is strong as Jacob Marley, as is Allsun O’Malley as Belle, the love of Ebenezer’s life. The children in the cast do a fine job, especially Jack Baumrind as Tiny Tim and Dylan Prime and Ciaran Mohan as London Boys. Drew Porrett and Dale Elston display strong dance and gymnastic skills as spirits that haunt Scrooge.
I still get a rise out of the explosions, pyrotechnics, and special effects, which includes actors flying through the air. The orchestra, situated in both the pit and above the stage, is first-rate. And the period costumes are spectacular.
The music is gleeful, a pleasant mix of familiar carols, classical favorites, and original music by Alby Potts and James Woodland.
More than 1 million holiday revelers have seen this show since 1989, and NSMT’s production has become an annual tradition that I hope continues forever. Even the grumpiest bah-humbug souls will exit the theater singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” There are only 10 shows remaining in this run, through Dec. 22, more than enough time to start your own family tradition.
