Theater Review: 'A Christmas Carol' at Connecticut Theatre Company

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

“A Christmas Carol” with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens is of course based on the 1843 novella by Charles Dickens. The book for this delightful musical version was written by Mike Ockrent and Ahrens. It was originally presented by Radio City Entertainment at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The Connecticut Theatre Company first produced the musical in 2022 and has brought it back to The Repertory Theatre in New Britain to finish their 2024 season. Co-directors Ben Silberman and Becky Stanford acknowledge the many versions of “A Christmas Carol,” that “has endured through the decades because it is a perennial reminder that if we are willing to confront our past, present and what the future may hold, we have everything inside us already to live a life toward the betterment of mankind.”

The directors, who were heavily involved in the previous production, describe the cast as the “living embodiment of Christmas spirit” and it is apparent that they worked hard to tell their story.

Mike Zizka leads the action in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge and is quite adorable after his revelation, determined to show his newfound Christmas spirit. Zizka has been involved in Connecticut theater productions for more than 40 years, having directed or acted in over 100 shows.

EastConn alum Evan Charette sings wonderfully as Bob Cratchit (“You Mean More to Me”) in his CTC debut, with Emily Marsh-Gaulin carrying her adorable two-year-old Philip in her role as Mrs. Crachit. Richard Williams drags the chain as Jacob Marley for “Link by Link,” and Henry Tobelman played the merry Mr. Fezziwig, as well as several other characters.

The three actors who play the three ghosts that visit Scrooge stole their scenes. It was great to see Duane Campbell back on this stage, playing the joyful Christmas Present for “Abundance and Charity” and “Christmas Together.” CTC Board President David Nunner made the most of every moment as Christmas Past (“The Lights of Long Ago”) in a fabulous white cape and sparkly silver boots, and Krystina Diaz danced beautifully as Christmas Future for “Dancing on Your Grave.” In the musical, the three ghosts are first seen in real-world guises, adding another layer to the visitations.

Young performer Maddie Swider covers the roles of Tiny Tim, Grace Smythe, and Fan. Congratulations to the multi-age ensemble performers that took on a multitude of roles, all while singing and dancing together in lovely Victorian England costumes coordinated by Becky Stanford. Nick Stanford led the ten musicians seated above the stage that played the unique score very well.

Erin Frechette did impressive work with the spirited choreography, including tap dancing and the movement of a large group of ghosts with Marley. Frechette was also in charge of the period props, including a magical book that illuminates the face of the reader when opened.The well-lit set that encompassed both sides worked well for all of the various locations.

The charming musical numbers add to this classic tale of redemption, setting it apart from the other performances in the area. “A Christmas Carol” continues at The Repertory Theatre, located at 23 Norden St. in New Britain, through Dec. 22. Come celebrate “Christmas Together” with this charming musical rendition.

Next season at CTC will include the play “Steel Magnolias,” “The Producers,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Escape to Margaritaville,” and a fifth show to be announced shortly.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.

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