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Show PACE 8 THE THUNDERBIRD MONDAY DECEMBER 8 1986 1 Scrooge has Christmas spirit THEATRE REVIEW BY DAWN-MARI- E DE BUSK The opening night of Scrooge The Stingiest Man in Town , directed by Doug Baker, was a night to feel drifting ghosts of the Christmas spirit and to be entertained Entertainment was the key word for actors and audience alike The interaction of the actors was believable since the play was fresh enough for the actors as not to appear stilted When Scrooge yells at his clerk. Bob Cratchit, Cratchit responds by cowering away from him The audience can respond to the believability of the characters in n this sequence of reactions. From the moment an audience member is seated by one of the many actors doubling as ushers while staying "in character," he feels as though he were in the midst of the English streets 's at Christmas during the time. As the play begins, the voice of Natalie Frehner-Water- s sweetly floats over the audience as she walks up to the stage and takes her place as the caroling narrator. Waters voice carries the melody of the play and creates words of admiration and envy among the theatregoers. The other carolers join in with wonderfully animated movements as the stage comes to life. Kenneth John Wheeler plays Scrooge with such superb nastiness that he is worthy of the praise expressed through the snickers of the audience. The choreography and line delivery blend well with the humor of his plain badness The audience can ask well-know- mid-1800- themselves, "How could anyone be that mean and nasty and rude? And on Christmas?" But everyone knows that Scrooge is that bad, and Wheeler portrays this quality with such flavor that he surely enjoyed it as much as the audience enjoyed him The first visit Scrooge receives from his former partner, Jacob Marley, and his traveling companions, leaves an impression of eeriness that is portrayed (It gives me through the make-unightmares) The stage lighting, costumes and the acting add to the spooky effect. Unfortunately, the smoke which came from dry ice drifted off the stage and into the audience, who waved programs to fan away the choking smoke. After the first act, Jennifer Johnson, d who plays the Belle, had such a pleasant voice and face that the relection of lights off her braces posed no real problem. Her rendition of "Golden Dreams" and "It Might Have Been" evoked emotions and left no doubt of why she was cast in the part. The musical was for pure audience entertainment. Singing about Scrooge's stinginess, the dance at Mr. Fezziwig's, and Scrooge's change of heart. The heavy symbolism is very apparent and cannot be overlooked Charles Dickens believed that there is time to repent and change our ways; otherwise there would be no hope for Scrooge. Is it too obvious to say the Christmas spirit is not only being excited about December 25, but having a desire to always give? The play continues to run Dec. p. fresh-cheeke- 11-1- 3. Christmas concert to welcome holidays SUSC choirs will welcome Several of Alfred Burt s the holiday season Dec 8 with carols will be featured along a "Candlelight Carol Concert " with the traditional Christmas Directed by Mark L carols "The Holly and the ' Mecham, director of choral Ivy," What Child is This" and "The Twelve activities and an assistant professor of music, the Days of Christmas " In addition, program is scheduled to start Opus V will iwi 1 9 perform an unusual ,..r i,mp iwmmnm.nn The conceit is scheduled arrangement of "Deck the "Pat-a-pan- ," W for 8 p m in the Thorley Recital Hall l at 8 p m in the Thorley Recital Hall Admission is free The SUSC Chorale, the the College Choir, and Opus V will perform One program selection, a Deitrich Buxtehude Christmas cantata, ' Das neugeborne Mndelein" ("The Infant Jesus"), will be accompanied by a woodwind ensemble and haipsicord Hall" and a contemporary setting of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas " Jan Harrison, guest organist and a member of the SUSC music department faculty, will accompany the choir on several numbers SUSC music major Jana Bunnell, Orem, and Amy Dalton, Cedar City, will provide other keyboard accompaniments Children under five will not be allowed to attend because the concert being recorded SUSC choirs will present a 'Candlelight Christmas Concert' Dec 8 at 8 m in the p Thorley Recital Hall Admission is free |