“Once upon a Christmas time where Christmas dreams come true...”

Cascade Community Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol - A Musical Comedy” adapted by Ira David Wood III is by far the most ambitious and complex production the fledging community theatre troupe has performed. Directed by Chuck Young, this version of the Charles Dickens Christmas classic will please people of all ages.

A heartwarming, hilarious, "kick up your

heels and dance" musical adaptation

of the classic story recites the story of

how Ebenezer Scrooge has given up on love and friendship and only adores his money. Resistant to all villagers and, even his own kin, as they try to warm up his heart for Christmas, Scrooge experiences a wild night with a chance at redemption when he is visited by three (four counting dead and smelly Marley) contrasting ghosts. CCT’s A Christmas Carol is complete with enough singing, dancing and charm to invigorate even the most disheartened of spirits. CCT’s second holiday production, following last year’s radio version of It’s a Wonderful Life, continues what is becoming a great yearly theatrical tradition in the lower Snoqualmie Valley. A Christmas Carol reminds all of us that this is the time of year to love our family, friends and our fellow man.

This west coast premier of the musical comedy adaptation of the renowned and beloved Dickens classic was first performed at A Theatre In The Park in Raleigh North Carolina in 1974 and has never before been seen outside of North Carolina and France. Even though we are familiar with this 1843 Charles Dickens Christmas story, the telling of the adventures of old miser Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, the fun is really in the trip of Scrooge’s improbable transformation on Christmas Eve into a happy and loving soul. In Wood’s version of A Christmas Carol, he has put the familiar characters in the middle of a fast moving musical comedy that will have you sing along, laugh and even tear up. Mixing all of this into one holiday classic is truly worth experiencing.

Duvall’s Keith Frechette, as Ebenezer is new to a CCT productions and gives the miser a fresh perspective while trying to cheat everyone of a Merry Christmas day, and even a dollar from a little girl in the audience. Chuck Young masterfully directs the large cast as they recreate their roles while mixing in offbeat humor of current events and famous people with the story that we all know and love. Dan Schuster makes his CCT debut as Fred, Scrooge’s nephew, embraces his character with warmth and feeling. After appearing in a number of the Sno-Valley Senior Center productions, Dan demonstrates his versatility with his pleasant singing.

Also new to CCT is the wonderfully cute Stephanie Smith as Fred’s wife Wilma. Her refreshingly clear singing and acting adds an element to the musical not seen in the valley for some time. Riverview School district’s very own Carnation Elementary Principal, Doug Poage, surprised me with his singing talent. Doug plays Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s trusted and loyal employee, even though he pays him so little that he cannot afford treatment for Tiny Tim’s, played by Max Harris, ailment. I can see Doug in future CCT productions; principal by day, theatre singer by night.

Wood’s music throughout A Christmas Carol has an impressive mixture of upbeat numbers and soft ballads as performed by the Cascade Community Theatre actors. One of my favorite moments of A Christmas Carol is the 1920’s era number featuring Jacob Marley, played by CCT veteran Davin Henrikson. This soft shoe number, performed along with the Marlettes, have you tapping your feet and smiling the whole time as he is trying to get Scrooge to understand that he needs to change his ways or end up roaming the earth forever in chains. And when the ghosts start coming to tell Scrooge a thing or two, Renee Wolf’s portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Past and her innocently clear singing voice and bright smiley face makes her a young actress to be watched in
years to come.

And if Scrooge, ghosts, and the traditional broadway-esque musical numbers aren’t enough, Young found a way to sprinkle in a little break dancing by Duvall’s very own Ulyber Mangune. Rachel Blockhus and Megan Maxwell molded an inexperienced group and turned them into an acceptable well choreographed group of dancers. And I must say, the 19th century costumes looked as authentic and professional as you will ever see. Gina Humberstone, has outdone herself as she transformed us back in time and shapes the setting better than one can imagine.

By the end of the feel-good performance, Frechette’s portrayal of Scrooge’s transformation is as corny as it is enjoyable to witness as he turns into a rendition of... (not going to spoil it). There is no question this group of local talent worked extremely hard to make this production successful. I give this 3.5 out of 4 curtain calls. If you are looking to have a good time and forget reality for a while, then make your way up to Cedarcrest High School for what is continuing an annual Sno-Valley tradition, and experience A Christmas Carol - Musical Comedy for yourself.

Cascade Community Theatre presents the second weekend of performances Friday and Saturday, December 11, 12th at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 13th at 2pm at Cedarcrest High School theatre in Duvall. Tickets are $18 for adults ($15 in advance) and $15 for students/seniors ($12 in

advance). Go to www.cascadecommunitytheatre.org to order your advance tickets or visit one of the CCT ticket outlets around town including Miller’s Community & Arts Center in Carnation as well as Duvall Performing Arts,The Quilters Garden, Duvall Books and EF Print & Copy Center in Duvall.