A Christmas Carol

Wow. And let me just say again, wow.
The Alliance Theatre has done it again. This was my first year seeing this well-talked-about performance and it did not disappoint. From the setting to the singing to the acting to the lights to the effects...everything told this timeless story perfectly.

Much props to Mr. Michael Fauss for his flawless musical direction. Everything was superb.

Elizabeth Wells Berkes was stunning as Belle, the love-interest of Scrooge. Je Nie Fleming was delightful with words and movement as Mrs. Cratchit. It was wonderful to see Bernardine Mitchell on stage with her melodious voice and comedic timing. She really did make the piece. Thomas Piper was absolutely believable as the young Mr. Scrooge. The audience could tell in his performance the change in temperament that Scrooge went through. Minka Wilt was a doll with her excellent soprano voice and character talent as Bess and in the ensemble. Neal A. Ghant was hysterical as Bob Cratchit. In particular was his side movement when Scrooge offered him triple his salary. It was subtle, but it was hysterical! David Howard was absolutely lovely as Topper and did lend his vocal talents very nicely to the ensemble. Chris Kayser, of course, my favorite actor in Atlanta, did a smashing job as Ebenezer Scrooge. All of the children were quite well-behaved in the production and very serious about their role and having fun.

All in all, the show as very entertaining. Much applause to D. Martyn Bookwalter for the set design. This wasn't an easy show to set and prop, but they have pulled it off very well. The fog effect for the spirits was never too much and added to the mystery of the show. The flying actors made everything believable and the pulley system for the entrances and exits was amazing.

Well done to them all and God Bless Them, everyone!