This weekend, theater lovers can celebrate the joy of the Christmas season with one of Hoboken’s traditions – the second annual performance of “A Christmas Carol” at DeBaun auditorium. The Center for Performing Arts at DeBaun is presenting the John Mortimer (Royal Shakespeare Company) adaptation of this classic tale of redemption, which includes carols and English folk tunes.
In the spirit of giving, DeBaun will collect donations from the audience on all nights, to provide support for The Hoboken homeless shelter.
A tale of redemption
This classic tale, written by Charles Dickens, follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a man rich in material items but poor of heart. Scrooge has lived a miserable life, giving to no one else since the death of his sister. One Christmas Eve, his sister’s only son invites Scrooge to Christmas dinner, but he refuses.
Scrooge grudgingly lets his assistant Mr. Cratchit take off for the holiday, but tells him to come in early the following day.
When Scrooge arrives home that night, he is haunted by the ghost of his former partner Marley, who warns him to change his ways or suffer a terrible fate.
During the night, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts who show him the effects of his cruelty.
Yet all is not lost. When he sees the damage he has caused, Scrooge begs for another chance and it is granted. When Scrooge wakes up on Christmas morning, he is resolved to change for the better.
The adaptation
Those that saw last year’s production will be pleasantly surprised by this year’s show that is a different adaptation. It includes the much tighter script that was adapted by John Mortimer for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
This very active production includes many beloved Christmas carols and festive dancing. All of the cast members play multiple roles and participate in the scene changes, which take place seamlessly in front of the audience.
According to director Jen Salez (formerly Jenny R. Bates), there is always something moving onstage. “Not only are the actors playing different characters,” said Salez. “They are playing part of the chorus.”
The chorus parts include portions of the original text by Charles Dickens and serve to set the atmosphere and mood of each scene. Director Salez said that she couldn’t be happier with this script and the cast.
“There is never a dull moment,” said Salez. “I think [audiences] will be intrigued for a very long time.”
The play clocks in at just under two hours and includes one intermission.
A merry cast
The young and energetic cast of this year’s performance will enthrall audiences with their enthusiasm, not to mention their beautiful singing. Many of the carols are sung in four-part harmony. Michael Blake stars as Ebenezer Scrooge. Audiences will delight in his portrayal of Scrooge, which seems was the role he was born to play. This is Blake’s first performance at DeBaun, although the actor has many Off-Broadway credits and others.
Tim Watson gives a charming portrait of Nephew Fred. Watson returns to DeBaun where he first performed Little Shop of Horrors, Pippin and others, four year ago. Along with other members of the cast, he plays multiple roles including Peter Cratchit and an ensemble member.
Christopher Ayres is a stand out as The Ghost of Christmas Past and ensemble member. Ayres is a DeBaun alumni; he performed in last year’s production of The Rocky Horror Show. Bob Cratchit (played by Daniel Cavagnaro) gives a delightful portrait of the kindly, bumbling clerk. Elizabeth Devlin helps balance out the Cratchit family with her lovely portrayal of Mrs. Cratchit. Devlin also plays Scrooge’s sister Fan in a flashback scene.
Other members of the talented ensemble cast include: Paul Berman, Nicolette Corrado, Erika Creagh, Joe D’Andrea, Lauren Fuchs, Selena Gonzalez, Sara Frances Hogrefe, Peyton Kennedy, Vannesa H. Lau, and Jim Maloney.
The crew
Director Jen Salez has directed several plays for DeBaun including: The One-Armed Man, Anything Goes, and choreographed the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Salez is a consummate director, who works to make sure that the story is told clearly and that the audience is entertained. Other members of the production team include: Sue Chandler (musical director), Sean Patrick McClafferty (stage manager), and Missy Cleary (assistant director).
And…
A Christmas Carol will be performed this weekend only at DeBaun Auditorium, (5th and Hudson streets) in Hoboken. The performances are on Friday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students/seniors, and $10 for children under 12. There is a Discover Jersey Art discount for members.
Other discounts includes a family fun pack for $70 and a dinner show package for $35 per person. For more information, please call (201) 216-8937 or visit: www.DeBauntickets.org.
DeBaun is excepting donations (cash or check) for the Hoboken Shelter during all performances. Last year they raised $850. for the shelter and hope to beat that this year.