Local News

Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Performed at Fox Theatre

December 12, 2007

By Craig Bodenschatz

The Nebraska Theatre Caravan performed Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” last week at the Fox Theatre in downtown St. Louis. The company is the professional touring division on the Omaha Community Playhouse.

Last week’s nightly performance of the famous Christmas story was a musical interpretation of the story, adapted by playwright Charles Jones, and directed by Carl Beck, Susan Baer Collins, and Susan Clement-Toberer. The lead character, Ebenezer Scrooge, was played by Nils Haaland, known for his work in children’s cinema.

The Fox Theatre, built in 1929, is a throwback to English show-houses of the Victorian period of theatre. The most recognizable sight from the venue is a 2000-lb. globe chandelier glowing with orange and red lighting, which hangs from the center of the domed ceiling.

The set was reminiscent of a Victorian-era Thomas Kinkade painting, complete with minimalistic lighting and snow-capped roof tops. The costumes, which were original designs, were vibrantly colorful and closely resembled the period fashion.

Maxim Gukham delivered a passionate portrayal of jolly Fred, Scrooge’s nephew in the play, and also notable was Keith Richards as Scrooge’s clerk, Bob Cratchit.

Attendees Charlie and Judy Bequette of Park Hills, Mo., were especially impressed by the show. “Our first date was here over 30 years ago,” Bequette said. She said this was her 40th show at the Fox, and as a tour guide, she travels to many of the famous St. Louis sights.

Choreography and music score, arranged by Joanne Cady and John J. Bennett, used traditional carols and ballet routines to develop the live adaption. During the first act, two characters dressed as live-sized dolls were introduced and performed a standout ballet for the English townspeople.

Many traditional Christmas carols were sung by the troupe in keeping with the Dickensian theme. A few songs like “Here We Come A-Wassailing” and “Away In A Manger” were rewritten especially for the performance.

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