Eugene Weekly : Theater : 12.07.06

Traditional Magic

ACE's Carol dresses up for the holidays

BY SHARLEEN NELSON

Scrooge (Bruce McCarthy) is surrounded by holiday spirits

Back by popular demand! Actors Cabaret of Eugene revisits the enduring tale of Scrooge, Marley, Cratchit and crew in Dickens' classic parable A Christmas Carol. I don't know about you, but I think there's still something to be said for tradition. With the world around us entrenched in fear and hate and war, it's often restorative, especially this time of year, to seek out the things that comfort us. Corny as it is, it's why we watch It's a Wonderful Life every year.

Inside the theater, it's hard to not get into a festive mood. Not only is the stage festooned with wreaths and bows and lights, but a lot of little touches add to the holiday ambience, such as the seating, which is individually adorned with Christmas material, and each table, which has a small Christmas-themed floral arrangement. During intermission at the matinee, director Joe Zingo passes out Christmas tchotchkes to the kids in the audience.

A cast of thousands — okay, only 38, but on the Cabaret's intimate stage, it seems like a lot more — sings, dances and renews our hope for peace on earth. Many in the large cast are children who are involved in ACE's youth academy. Although they are all adorable, Kyra Walters (Grace Smythe) and Bryce Walters (Tiny Tim) put in exceptional performances. Likewise, Bruce McCarthy makes a formidable Scrooge, all bent over and curmudgeonly at first, and then skipping giddily across the stage at play's end. Well cast as the four ghosts in the play are Ashley Apelzin (Christmas Past), Kevin Boling (Christmas Present), Maida Belove (Christmas Future) and Marc Innocenti (Jacob Marley). Innocenti is particularly daunting as the chain-rattling ghost of Jacob Marley. One little girl seated at stage front hid behind her mom. Boling is always a treat, and his role as the gregarious Christmas Present matched his substantial and resonating vocal performance. Belove also does a mean tap dance in her dual role as Mrs. Claus.

One thing you can always count on at an ACE production is an array of spectacular costumes. Bonnets and sashes and petticoats in rich, colorful fabrics make up the detailed and authentic-looking 19th century period garb. And despite the scary ghosts, there's just something magical about live theater. This family production is full of surprises. Kids and adults alike will delight in the music, the glitter dust and otherworldly smoke and the faux snow that transforms the stage into one big snow globe. Catch the holiday spirit with this time-honored perennial.

A Christmas Carol continues December 8, 9 and 10 and 14, 15 and 16. Evening shows start at 7:30 pm and Sunday's matinee is at 2 pm. Call 683-4368 to purchase tickets.