A story that never gets old — and is especially a hit during the Yuletide season — is Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” No matter how many times we’ve experienced it on print, on stage, or on screen, the tale never fails to touch our hearts and impart valuable lessons, every single time.
Last year, Globe Live 9Works Theatrical succeeded at turning this well-loved classic into a musical extravaganza on stage. It had a three-storey set that extended to the audience, hence allowing members of the cast to be in close proximity with audience members seated away from the main stage; plus special effects that covered the size of the venue.
This year’s set is much simpler. Gone are the islands and bridges that extended to the audience, as well as the multi-level structure on stage. In its place is a backdrop of crooked houses and an elevated, oversized clock with moving hands at the center.
This simpler approach to production design proved to be a blessing. This year’s adaptation of Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens’ musical was more streamlined and less distracting, giving the audience an opportunity to concentrate more fully on the play’s main characters and the vital elements of the plot.
Miguel Faustmann’s Ebenezer Scrooge is as daunting and endearing as ever. It will be very difficult to find an actor who can match his portrayal of the old and miserable miser who turns a new leaf and learns a well-deserved lesson on the reason for the season.
There are interesting additions to the cast. Franco Laurel is all glitzy and barely recognizable as the Ghost of Christmas Past. Arman Ferrer, who took the lead in “Maynila: Sa Kuko ng Liwanag” just few months back, abandons every trace of his Filipino farm boy role to portray Scrooge’s nephew.
Former TV 5’s “Pinoy Hi-5” member Rissey Reyes slithers on stage as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, and Nico Dans is delightful as a jolly Ghost of Christmas Present. Laurence Mossman and Mitzie Lao make such a charming besotted pair as the young scrooge and his lady love, respectively.
Noel Rayos’ Jacob Marley is ghoulish as can be, and nothing like Ariel Reonal’s Beetle Juice-like version last year, which may be partly because fluorescent green lights were no longer used on stage.
The plight of the Cratchits (Jon Abella and Tricia Canilao) feels more pronounced, and Tiny Tim (Jaime Yupangco alternating with Elai Estrella) can melt the heart of every cold-hearted Scrooge there is.
Even the choreography has changed. Master choreographer PJ Rebullida made the dance numbers more concise yet still as engaging.
After 9WT’s production of “The Newsies,” 9WT has become a landmark for musicals with memorable dance numbers. “A Christmas Carol” follows suit and still mezmerizes, thanks to Rebullida.
9WT’s “A Christmas Carol” remains as a feast for the senses with lavish costumes and convincing rendition of Dickens’ 1800s London. The ghosts’ apparitions are creepier than ever and might not be well-suited for very young audiences; toddlers might find the ghosts peering through the windows and the appearance of multiple ghouls too scary. The show is for audiences 4 years old and above.
This year’s version may be less extravagant in terms of production design, but it allows the audience to focus more on the story, the interaction among cast members, and the magic and essence of Dickens’ tale.
Nonetheless, 9WT has once again succeeded at making “A Christmas Carol” a must-see especially for families during the holidays, a tradition that will eliminate every reason for one to say “Bah Humbug!”
You can still catch “A Christmas Carol” at the Globe Iconic Ampitheater in Bonifacio Global City on December 21, 22, 25, 26 and 27. Tickets are priced at only Php2,000 and are available through Ticketworld.
