Moorpark Acorn - November 30, 2007
| On The Town | November 30, 2007 |
Play review If you've got an itch to include a show in your holiday season plans that's a different take on Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," then "Marley's Ghost," written by Jeff Goode and now being presented at the High Street Arts Center, may be just what you seek. The production, directed by George Kralemann, offers a fresh approach to an old classic. A spinoff of "A Christmas Carol," the play focuses on the experiences of Jacob Marley, Scrooge's employer. It includes familiar lines and scenes from the wellknown version and a variety of actors- including several children- to provide something for everyone. At first, "Marley's Ghost" may appear to be more appropriate for Halloween than Christmas, but the show is suitable for all ages. There may be spooky moments as Marley deals with his assigned spirit of death, but the obvious scene changes will reassure even a child that this is all "just a play." There are moments when it's easy to tell which actors/actresses are new to the stage and which are more seasoned. What is key is to stay with the story because the ending is worth it. Jeff Raum, who plays dead Jacob Marley, does a good job in getting us to dislike him from the start, as does his counterpart Danny Jordon, who portrays the young version of Marley. Many of us who have known someone like Marley may sense relief at seeing him deal with his own death and the consequences of his behavior. Michael Fischer, who appears as Bob Cratchit, is something of a wimp. After all the versions of the original, I wanted, just for once, to see him be stronger. But perhaps I was taking the show a little too seriously. Bob Cratchit, as well as Tiny Tim, are characters that reflect how mankind should be. So that's fine- I will try to take the message to heart. Lois Lorbeck portrayed Mrs. Fezziwig as a woman seeking an extramarital affair with Marley. The intent was to show another ugly side to young Marley; unfortunately, it also dragged a beloved character into an unbecoming situation. Lorbeck regains the audience's trust in the role of Mrs. Cratchit, who has the guts to say out loud what others think of Marley and Scrooge. Ken Johnson as Reverend Hedges explodes with emotion against both Marley and Scrooge. It was stress relieving to see a religious character express the anger we are taught must be suppressed for social acceptance. Judge, played by Chris Carnicelli, is given the delicious responsibility of sentencing Marley toa welldeserved fate. It was enjoyable watching him have fun with the role and taking the audience along with him for the ride. By story's end, Brandy Paolini, Marley's assigned death spirit, is no longer scary; instead, she has become a truly positive influence. The twist ending was, for this writer, the best part of the show. In the original story, Scrooge was given the opportunity to change his ways. Marley certainly recognizes his poor choices but is nevertheless left with his assigned punishment. No "spoilers" will be offered here as to how that punishment is carried out. A mixture of saccharin, wit and spookiness paired with comfortable lines and songs, "Marley's Ghost" is definitely in a category of its own. Each performer, regardless of acting experience, brought a unique and appreciable holiday message to the table. "Marley's Ghost" will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 23. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Ticket prices for $15 adults, $12 seniors and students, and $8 children 12 and under.
The High Street Arts Center is at 45 E. High St. For more information, call (805) 529-8700. |