“A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play,” adapted by Joe Landry and directed by James Pritchard, opened for a two-weekend run at the Southampton Cultural Center on Friday, Dec. 6th, at 7 p.m. Ninety minutes later, the enthusiastic audience stood and applauded for good reason. This presentation of Dicken’s, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ is awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique cohesiveness of this show. It glowed as it flowed with wonderful individual contributions that, in the end, vividly successfully freshly told the classic story.
Once again, Boots on the Ground Theater, founded in 2016 by Bonnie Grice, has struck gold.
The talented cast shined doing the first radio play. The cast includes Kevin Magee, who effectively portrays the gruff Ebenezer Scrooge and his roles as Freddie Filmore and Santa Claus. Well done, Mr. Magee.
A long-time personal favorite of mine, Colin Palmer, is brilliant in his multiple roles of Jake Laurents, Fred, Young Scrooge, Peter, and Boy in the Street. Mr. Palmer is the master of changing voices and facial expressions.
Also brilliant is Geoffrey Milton, with his host of roles that include Harry “Jazzbo” Haywood, an extremely effective Bob Cratchit, First Man, Old Joe, and Topper.
The power of Mbachi Kumwenda’s vocals is something one is born with and cannot be taught. She uses that power in her multiple roles, which include Regina Washington, Gentlewoman, Street Caroler, Fan, Fred’s Wife, Good Little Girl, and Martha.
Another local favorite is Andrea Harum Schiavoni, whose distinct whispering vocal skills were on full display as she shined under the lights and in front of the classic radio microphone in her various roles, including Lana Sherwood, Ghost of Christmas Past, Plump Sister, Tiny Tim, The Naughty Little Girl, and the Laundress. She covered all these roles effortlessly and extremely convincingly.
Also effective in various roles is Robert Nelson as Alfred Montgomery, Ghost of Christmas Present, Fezziwig, Belle’s Husband, Second Man, and Undertaker’s Man. Mr. Nelson has a signature voice and presentation endeared him to the audience.
Gerri Wilson’s natural charm beamed through in her multiple roles, which had her shifting vocal gears impressively and effectively. She portrays Sally Applewhite, Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Cratchit, Little Boy, Charwoman, and Fred’s Housekeeper. Kudos and accolades to her.
The talented Bob Kaplan handled the sound effects handsomely. He was ever so dapper with his suspenders prominently featured.
Last but never least is Ms. Bonnie Grice, who also produced the show besides playing the Host/Emcee, Belle, and doing some sound effects. Ms. Grice, with her iconic personality, voice, and charisma, is a huge presence. Even if she did not dominate the show in lines, her presence was felt dramatically throughout the show via facial expressions. Her roles were aided by the period costumes she personally wore and had the characters outfitted in. They add so much to all her productions.
Throughout the show, the cast members, who are also members of “Dickens Carolers,” sang classic Christmas carols with a sound synonymous with the Christmas holiday season. To add to the magic effect of a 1946 radio broadcast, various members of the cast performed very crafty and clever funny radio ads by Kevin Connors that thoroughly entertained the audience and drew some belly laughs.
Every live show is a team effort, so one must mention the wonderful, effective “Lighting” skills of Sebastian Paczynski, Kelley Weresnick, and Adrian Quinlan. Dennis Milone and Chris Buckout handled the “sound” flawlessly.
Tickets are $35, $25 for students. For more information, visit: https://scc-arts.org/boots-on-the-ground-theater/
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