Theatre Review by Christina Manolescu</MARQUEE>
Dale Hayes, MSOPA’s Artistic Director, has fashioned the script in a way that remains faithful to Dickens’s original text, but sufficiently blended with the contemporary and colloquial to be able to ‘lift off’ and soar.
From the start, Constantine Kourtidis, with calm dramatic presence, portrays Charles Dickens reading choice quotes at the lectern. Fine psychological touches and spontaneous humour are interjected within the moving fabric of the tale. Len Richman, in voluminous nightgown and cap, depicts the tyrannical skinflint, Scrooge, with comedic flair and a kaleidoscope of expressions, gestures and poses.
The chain-rattling ghost of Marley, played by Alessandro Izzi, is absolutely frightening with its bloodied death-mask of a face and impassioned roar.
The Ghost of Xmas Present, Elizabeth Fennell—tall and stunning in her headdress and sparkling costumery—offers a haunting rendition of the remote, ice-cold spirit of mockery. The majestic Ghost of Xmas Past comes across as harsher, more domineering than I ever remembered. And the hooded Ghost of Xmas Future? Well, it's reduced to merely a pointing finger, a derisive laugh.
Sixteen actors depict almost thirty characters in a story that travels necessarily backward and forward through time. The young Scrooge, played by Tamir Kapelian, is particularly well cast as a pale, sober, detached and melancholy presence, exactly suited to his persona. Mr. Cratchit, played by Alan Heillig, is memorable for his perfectly bald Victorian pate and cherub’s smile.
Dramatically effective, during Scrooge’s long ‘dark night of the soul,’ is how the ebb and flow of contemporary characters, hogging centre stage, vent their spleen and openly mock, curse and scorn the supposedly ‘invisible' Scrooge, who’s been shunted off to the darkened ‘wings.’ In tandem, and in real-time, the audience gets to watch Scrooge’s tragi-comic gestures as he bears witness to his own 'post-mortem' from the lips of people who have known him.
Special mention, too, goes to Daniel Grenier, (with the crescent-moon moustaches) for his cool portrayal of the charity fundraising gent; to Karen Misrachi for her strong performance as Mrs. Cratchit; to Isabelle Zufferey-Boulton (Mrs. Fred’s sister) for her sensitive, lively stage mannerisms, and also to Frederique Fournier for her naturally exuberant portrayal of Mrs. Fred.
The timing and synchronization of this stage drama flow to perfection, and there is something truly special and moving about watching a three-dimensional 'flesh-and-blood' enactment of a legend that we have originally (and so often) heard or read in print and watched on film.
Do make a special point of visiting MSOPA’s new headquarters: School of Performing Arts and Express O Theatre, all under one roof. Apart from the terrific cake and coffee available at intermission, its comfortable, intimate and friendly ambiance reflects the enduring dedication to the theatre arts and education by the intrepid team at MSOPA.
Theatre Review by Christina Manolescu © 2007 Invisible Cities Network
Booking Information Follows
is proud to presentA Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Dale Hayes
November 30-December 16, 2007
Friday & Saturday evening shows at 8pm; Saturday & Sunday, matinee shows at 2pm
Montreal School of Performing Arts Theatre, 3975 Notre Dame Ouest. Nearest metro: St. Henri
$12 General Admission, $10 Students/Seniors, $8 Children 10years and under; *Group rate available for 15+
Reservations can be placed by calling (514) 483-5526. Tickets will also be available at the door. The theatre is intimate, and seating is limited, so reservations are recommended.
Once again, we are pleased to invite you to our annual holiday show which is always produced with the whole family in mind. This year, MSOPA’s Artistic Director Dale Hayes has chosen Dickens’ timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, for our holiday stage. The much beloved tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge has become a holiday staple, and this version of is packed with a host of colourful characters that bring the spirit of Christmas to the hearts young and old alike. Humour, excitement, drama, and heartwarming moments—join us this season for a fun and memorable holiday event that will remind you why A Christmas Carol remains the world’s most popular Christmas story.
Montreal School of Performing Arts is celebrating our 15th year of operation, and staff and students hope that you will join us in our celebration. We thank you for your continued support and contributions, which make it possible for Montreal School of Performing Arts to remain a valuable and respected part of the Montreal community, and to continue our work in producing quality theatre.
We thank you for your continued support and contributions, which make it possible for Montreal School of Performing Arts to remain a valuable and respected part of the Montreal community, and to continue our work in producing quality actors, theatre, and education.
For further information, please contact Josa Maule at: (514) 483-5526 or e-mail us at: info at msopa.com; http://www.msopa.com
Thank you again for supporting Montreal School of Performing Arts and Express O Theatre.
Josa Maule, Director