Don’t worry, Rolla. Just like Ebenezer Scrooge, who after four ghosts came calling early Christmas morn, there is still time — time to snap into the holiday spirit and time to catch one of the remaining shows of “Scrooge, the Musical,” playing this week at the Ozark Actors Theatre.
This “Scrooge” is an artful rendition — the work of Leslie Briscusse — of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” turned into a musical.
And make no mistake, you will leave this show both impressed with the local performances and your spirit rejuvenated for the holidays.
Just as Scrooge, who savored of the “Milk of Kindness” from the Ghost of Christmas Present, began to feel the spirit of Christmas, so will audiences in this inspiring, heart-warming tale of this 166-year-old holiday classic.
Kevin Edwards is brilliant in the role of Scrooge, easily portraying the ol’ skinflint, a man seemingly who had seen twice as many yuletide seasons.
Throughout the two-act, 11-scene production, performances of the local talent impress even the veterans of Broadway.
Franc D’Ambrosio, the man behind the mask in Phantom of the Opera in Rolla for his performance at Castleman Theater, attended Saturday evening’s performance and was astounded.
“They are unbelievable,” D’Ambrosio said. “They are so good. I can’t believe they’ve only been rehearsing for two weeks. Even on Broadway, we get eight weeks.”
Impressive, they are. Even to those familiar with the stellar performances of Broadway like D’Ambrosio.
Joel Nisbett is great in his role as Bob Cratchit, believable in his unending devotion to Scrooge, who until the end treats him poorly.
So is Paul Frisbee, who portrays Scrooge’s pauper nephew in his undying belief there is something good within Scrooge.
Tiny Tim, portrayed by Margaret Hamacher — that’s right, Tim is portrayed by a little girl — who has you double-checking your cast sheet. Hamacher shines as she sings and steals your heart, portraying the little boy whose life depends on Scrooge’s transformation.
What musical would be complete without a touch of dancing and high-stepping, and Scrooge has it as Benjamin Wegner, portraying Tom Jenkins, leaps, dances and high-kicks his way in Scene Five of the Second Act. Wegner even pulls off the act with a little touch of Brit in his accent, “Thank you very much!” Jenkins and company brought people to their feet in applause. Their performances may be the “nicest thing that anyone has ever done for me” this holiday season.
