If ever we are in need of redemption, it is now.
Which makes Arizona Theater Company‘s “Scrooge!” more timely than ever.
The musical, by Leslie Bricusse adapted from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” is all about the redemption of a man who is greedy, cruel and as heartless as possible.
When he is visited by the ghosts of past, present and future, he sees the error of his ways and turns into a decent human.
Ah, if only there were ghosts we could conjure up.
The musical was staged last year at this time. ATC hopes it will become a holiday tradition. It’s a massive production, with a cast of 28, elaborate costumes and sets, beautiful projections and some pretty impressive lighting.
Director Matt August told the Star this month that the show has been tweaked since last year’s production, but those tweaks are so subtle they are barely noticeable. So what you get this year is much of what you got last year.
The principal cast members are the same, as are the colorful costumes by Elizabeth Caitlin Ward. The moody sets by Jason Ardizzone-West and the brooding projections by Brad Peterson are also much as last year.
The cast from Arizona Theatre Company’s “Scrooge” numbers 28. The show runs through Nov. 30.
And this, too, is like last year: the play is fun, fast-paced and hopeful.
Tony winner Shuler Hensley leads the cast as Scrooge. He is a powerful singer and actor, and one cannot get tired of watching him. Good thing; he did the same in last year’s production.
Also coming back is Tucsonan Aaron Cammack as Tom Jenkins. Cammack is the real deal and there is joy in his performance and joy in our watching it.
The production is packed with children and to the child they were focused and listened on stage. That is not always the case with young actors and credit goes to director August, who made every bit of this massive production clear and concise.
This writer is not a fan of repeat shows like this; they suck money from the other productions and stifle the company’s creativity.
Still, on the tail of this year’s election, a story of redemption is important. And maybe it is what we need to put us in the mood for the holidays.
“Scrooge!” continues through Nov. 30, with performances at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave., Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 13-24; Tuesday-Saturday, Nov. 26-30; there is no performance on Thanksgiving Day Thursday, Nov. 28. Tickets available at atc.org or by calling or 1-833-282-7328.
The show runs about 2½ hours with one intermission.
