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| Cory McCloskey photo by Nick Woodward-Shaw |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through December 23rd.
"It's never too late to change. That simple statement is the important message that runs throughout Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and a worthwhile message that all of us can learn from. Fortunately, there are some things that are already just about perfect and have no reason to change, including Hale Centre Theatre's impressive annual production of this classic tale of redemption which seems to get better each year in a production that is a feast for the eyes and ears and infused with music, humor and an abundance of heart and emotion....Ted Lehman's adaptation is a sumptuous holiday treat that is completely faithful to the novel, including using an abundance of dialogue taken directly from the book. Director David Dietlein ensures the emotional impact of the show is felt with scenes that don't rush the importance of the story. Hale pulls out all of the stops to include an abundance of set elements, fog, snow, and numerous special effects as well as sumptuous lighting from Jeff A. Davis and a nonstop parade of beautiful costumes coordinated by Mary Atkinson. ..
The Hale production is double cast and the night I attended the Green cast with Mark Kleinman as Scrooge was performing. This is Kleinman's sixth turn as the stingy, heartless and unfeeling man at Hale and he clearly excels at playing this gruff and cruel character. In his impressive portrayal, the changes the miserly man makes are beautifully displayed through Kleinman's changing body language and facial expressions. There isn't a weak link in Hale's large cast, with the majority of the ensemble playing multiple roles. Tim Paul Fiscus does a wonderful job as Cratchit. ...As Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, and the Ghost of Christmas Present, Matthew R. Harris, Heidi-Liz Johnson and Mark Hackmann, respectively, provide clear and effective portrayals of these very different specters, and Stephen Serna is full of life as Scrooge's carefree nephew Fred....Each year Hale presents this show, it sells out for almost all of the over 50 performances it plays, so it's easy to see why they continue to bring it back year after year. It's a testament to both the stunning achievement of Hale's production and the power of Dickens' tale. With exceptional creative elements and an incredibly talented cast, Hale's A Christmas Carol is a magical and moving holiday treat and a beautiful adaptation of this classic tale.. " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"...Hale Centre Theatre’s totally delightful production of A Christmas Carol... has run every December in Gilbert since 2003.... Last year’s review covered the Green Cast with Mark Kleinman. This weekend saw the alternating Red Cast with Cory McCloskey, and as hoped, the production is every bit as pleasing and as heart-warming as seen last year. Director David Hale Dietlein, who clearly has a love for the story, has directed every production since its inception....there’s a genuine feel of Dickens’ presence throughout Dietlin’s production, particularly in the second half when things become dark and those from London’s underbelly emerge...it’s their inclusion in Hale’s production that further enhances the Dickensian tone and completes the spirit of the story that the author had always intended.....Cory McCloskey as the Red Cast’s Scrooge, and he’s first-class. ...McCloskey snarls, scowls, and glowers his way through Christmas Eve, until the work of the three spirits is complete and the man’s redemption is fully realized. His giddy delight of being given a second chance is our giddy delight, one that will make your smile broaden all the more upon realizing that once Bob Cratchit (an appropriately warm and likable Miles David Romney) turns up late for work the day after celebrating a modest Christmas Day, his salary will be raised. Using all the theatre-in-the-round tricks that it can – ominous swirling smoke, ghostly projections, a mirror ball reflecting seemingly magical lights, falling snow, chiming bell sound effects, a haunting image of a large, ticking clock marking Scrooge’s passing of time, and the acapella voices of Dickens’ carolers singing in the aisles – writer Ted Lehman’s faithful adaptation of the Dickens novella ensures that what you’re seeing and hearing is as close to the work of the Victorian author as is possible without it developing into a dry, literal account. And as before, look closely at the framed picture above the fireplace in Scrooge’s bedroom; it’s a portrait of Charles Dickens overseeing the proceedings. Knowing the author’s love of live theatre, I’m sure the look on his face is one of great approval." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
"David Dietlein's production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL gift wraps the celebrated tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's redemption with all the sparkle, festivity, and messaging that befits the Holiday Season. It is Hale Centre Theatre's 15th annual love letter to the community, a resplendent and intimate affair that displays the spirited choreography of Cambrian James, Brian Daily's glittering special effects, and Mary Atkinson's well-tailored period costumes. ...a perfectly tuned ensemble, under the direction of Lincoln Wright, carols a medley of songs of cheer and grace....Hale's schedule of performances alternates between a Green and Red Cast, featuring, respectively Mark Kleinman (the focus of my 2015 review) and Cory McCloskey as Scrooge. McCloskey is superb. Dietlein gives him full rein to deliver a uniquely affable and sympathetic man of avarice. As much as he may scold the solicitors of charity, chide his nephew (Jeff Deglow), exploit clerk Bob Cratchit (Miles David Romney), and otherwise Humbug! his way through the holiday, the vulnerability of 's Scrooge is apparent from the first tip of his top hat through his encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past (Holly Payne), Present (Mark Hackmann), and Future (Malcolm Hooper). McCloskey sweeps across the stage, his face and gestures a perfect roadmap to the miser's moods, swirling his black cape like a matador and shedding, slowly but surely, Scrooge's veneer of cynicism and greed. So it goes that not every deplorable is irredeemable. Joy and charity abound in this marvelous celebration of the Christmas spirit. This production is the perfect Holiday fare for the entire family, a must-see show that runs through December 23rd at the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert's Heritage District. " - Herbert Paine, Broadway World (click here to read the complete review)
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