Theater Review: 'A Christmas Carol' by Landmark Community Theatre

By Nancy Sasso Janis

Landmark Community Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol,” the adaptation written by Mike Ferrians and Brenda Chapman from Charles Dickens’ novella. The Landmark production is performed on the stage at Thomaston High School, which has worked with the community theater as the Thomaston Opera House undergoes renovations.

Producer Jeff Dunn shared with the packed matinee audience that he had been a member of the first graduating class of Thomaston High, and that not much had changed in the auditorium since his graduation. Dunn also revealed that the Opera House ceiling repair has been completed and the hope is that the historic space will reopen soon.

Rob Bongiolatti directs the play about transformation that is interwoven with some holiday incidental music. The director believes that “Dickens’ beloved tale has resonated with audiences for generations, not only for its richly drawn characters and its vibrant portrayal of Victorian London, but for the universal themes of redemption, generosity, and human connection.” Bongiolatti set out to show that “through this journey, Scrooge finds the courage to change, and in doing so, he discovers the redemptive power of love, kindness, and community.”

Patrick R. Spadaccino, an author who has also appeared in more than 50 stage productions, takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge with plenty of bluster before and lots of charm after the transformation.

Daniel Tortora, who was part of “School of Rock” at the Warner, does well with the role of Bob Cratchit, with Theresa Guertin as his loving (and honest) wife. Teagan Guertin appeared as Tiny Tim. Kitty Fernandez portrayed both Belle and Fred’s wife Janet.

I was enchanted with the performance of Chris Guertin as both the ghost of Jacob Marley and Scrooge’s nephew Fred Hollowell, requiring a complicated quick change. Retired teacher Allen Marko from Bristol was an effective Ghost of Christmas Past, in addition to Old Joe. Dante Coviello brought to life two very different characters, first the jolly Mr. Fezziwig and then the silent yet sinister Ghost of Christmas Future.

What a delight to see Shanelle Dupre take the stage as the joyful Ghost of Christmas Present, draped in a sweeping white robe and throwing sparkly snow about the stage. The actress has wonderful chemistry with Spadoccino and simply made me smile.

At least six of the actors step up to serve as narrators of the story, using Dickens’ language to help tell the story. Most members of the ensemble play with conviction several roles in sumptuous costumes designed by Andrea Bingham.

Ian Jones served as the technical director in the borrowed space and Morgan Griffin was in charge backstage of this large cast as the stage manager. Michael “Gonzo” Goncalves worked as both the assistant director and the sound board operator. Lighting designer Robbie Eselby did the best he could with the school’s lighting. Chris Guertin and Ian Jones were credited with the serviceable set design.

Kudos to Landmark for managing to bring together a holiday production despite their logistical challenges. Performances continue through Dec. 22 and tickets are available at
landmarkcommunitytheatre.org.

Next season will bring “Rent,” “Our Town,” “Shrek The Musical,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Miracle on 34th Street,” as well as the play “Love Letters” with rotating casts.

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.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.