Bob Cratchit & Mr. Tightwad
@ The Secret Rose
Sorry to say, this adaptation (Katrina Wood) of Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol is a major disappointment. The performance was sluggish - at least on the afternoon I attended, and there are no real redeeming qualities for the changes made to the script. If you are attempting to present the story from a different perspective, fine, do that, but make sure there is a reason and that it is completely clear. To add contemporary characters to delight a younger generation - like a rock 'n roll Goth Girl for the Ghost of Christmas Present (nice work from Athena Rose) within the traditional Victorian setting makes no sense. Even having Bob Cratchit narrate doesn't change or enhance anything. The music is OK, but hardly memorable; it needs more buoyancy and hope. I kept asking myself "What's the new twist on this?" The small plot elements changed would be better off left as Dickens wrote them.
On the plus side there's a very enjoyable performance by Foster Walker as Cratchit. His aggressive personality is rather engaging, and the slight conversion to a Scrooge-like nature at play's end is fun to watch. It's a pleasure to see the vibrantly talented Emily Bridges, but she is quite wasted as Nell. Some nice work from the ensemble and excellent staging, but an overall unstimulating presentation that may turn off ardent fans of Charles Dickens.
3 out of 5 stars
Monday, 12 December 2011 10:31
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Bob Cratchit & Mr. Tightwad @ The Secret Rose
Sorry to say, this adaptation (Katrina Wood) of Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol is a major disappointment. The performance was sluggish - at least on the afternoon I attended, and there are no real redeeming qualities for the changes made to the script. If you are attempting to present the story from a different perspective, fine, do that, but make sure there is a reason and that it is completely clear. To add contemporary characters to delight a younger generation - like a rock 'n roll Goth Girl for the Ghost of Christmas Present (nice work from Athena Rose) within the traditional Victorian setting makes no sense. Even having Bob Cratchit narrate doesn't change or enhance anything. The music is OK, but hardly memorable; it needs more buoyancy and hope. I kept asking myself "What's the new twist on this?" The small plot elements changed would be better off left as Dickens wrote them.
On the plus side there's a very enjoyable performance by Foster Walker as Cratchit. His aggressive personality is rather engaging, and the slight conversion to a Scrooge-like nature at play's end is fun to watch. It's a pleasure to see the vibrantly talented Emily Bridges, but she is quite wasted as Nell. Some nice work from the ensemble and excellent staging, but an overall unstimulating presentation that may turn off ardent fans of Charles Dickens.
3 out of 5 stars
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4 comments
Comment Link Wednesday, 14 December 2011 05:18 posted by Barbara R
I found the show delightful- thoroughly entertaining,and well-paced, with great songs and music- clever slant on the original. Costumes were great. The punk rocker, Christmas present, was just super - an inspired juxtaposition to the Victorian theme. What is Mr G talking about - "makes no sense."? Musicals aren't meant to be logical - the sense is in the drama, the sound and the imagery - and that came across great. Mr. G sounds like a real curmudgeon, and I sincerely hope his "bah-humbug" attitude will not be taken seriously, for this is a fine holiday fare for the whole family!
Comment Link Tuesday, 13 December 2011 23:24 posted by V LINDSAY
Saw the show tonight. fabulous, outstanding!! It's funny and yet has a pathos that tugs at the heart strings. Loved the fury of Mrs. Cratchit. Love Mr. Feziwigs broad Scottish accent. Loved the Gothic Christmas present. Oh so many great moments. Christmas has arrived and Bob and Scrooge were hilarious, the time just flew.
Comment Link Tuesday, 13 December 2011 17:09 posted by CHARLES
Are you kidding! This was an awesome show- funny upbeat sad and Scrooge was great! What show are you referring to Mr G it wasn't this one.
Comment Link Tuesday, 13 December 2011 15:49 posted by Vanessa
Seems as if Mr G missed the point of this musical. Nelle has never been included in Dickens tale - nor Mrs Cratchit- both had a voice feelings and powerful songs. The roles of the woman and the love interest for Scrooge made this version all the more enjoyable. He also ommitted a stellar performance by Chas Mitchell which was memorable .
Seems like Mr G has a hard time embracing a newer vision which incorporated both sad and upbeat songs and male and female characters all with something to add to this engaging piece.
LA WEEKLY LOVED IT!
ReplyDeleteDate: Saturday, December 17, 2011, 11:22 PM
ReplyDeleteWe saw your wonderful production this
afternoon of "Bob Cratchit and Mr Tightwad", and wanted to
personally thank you for doing such an excellent job in
every respect.
My family and I laughed, cried, and in the end, left your
theatre most refreshed. I have no doubt that Mr
Dickens himself is looking down from heaven above, and is
quite proud of each one of you.
Merry Christmas, and God Bless us all tiny Tim!
Sincerely yours,
Andrew Paul Ford