North Shore Music Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol' Gets Better with Time

If you can see only one holiday show this season it should be North Shore Music Theatre's "A Christmas Carol."

This original adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic by former NSMT Artistic Director Jon Kimbell and members of the NSMT staff follows Ebenezer Scrooge through a series of strange and magical ghostly encounters, where he ultimately discovers the true spirit of the holiday season. With dazzling special effects that have grown even more exciting over time, traditional and original songs, and colorful costumes, this production has become a holiday favorite throughout New England having been seen by more than one million people since 1989.

Returning for his 26th year as Scrooge, David Coffee continues to deliver a tour-de-force performance. If there was ever anyone who embodied Ebenezer Scrooge, it is Coffee. He is as heartfelt as he is cartoonish throughout the show and leans into the audiences' empathy as he takes his character from nasty miser to generous geezer as he learns the lessons of the holiday.

Coffee is not the only long-term NSMT performer, Cheryl McMahon, also back for her 26th season, again plays Scrooge's housekeeper and is as refreshing and humorous as day one. What makes her such a pleasure to watch is her body movements and facial expressions.

Russell Garrett as Scrooge's clerk Bob Cratchit is a worthy and compassionate foil. And when Garrett gently interacts with his crippled son Tiny Tim (Jack Baumrind), true magic happens.

The supporting cast is equally as great. All delivering solid performances that make this production a joy to watch. There is a remarkable on-stage chemistry between Andy Tighe, who plays Scrooge as a young man, and Kate Turner, who plays Meg, Scrooge's fianc�e.

What I love about this production is that every year, there are a few updates and adjustments. The minor tweaking's to the story keeps the story feeling fresh and updated and always new.

Kelly Baker and Gerard Kelly were responsible for the wonderful period costumes and wigs, which helped create character and set the tone. Many of the actors portrayed different characters, a task well done, and skillfully aided by the changes in costume.

NSMT's "A Christmas Carol" remains a satisfying holiday tradition that seems to get better each year.

"A Christmas Carol" performance are December 6 – December 22, 2019. Tickets can be purchased by calling the North Shore Music Theatre Box Office at (978) 232-7200, via the website at www.nsmt.org or in person at 62 Dunham Road (Route 128, exit 19), Beverly, MA.

OUT at the North Shore, an evening for the LGBTQ+ Community with a post-show reception on Friday, December 13 after the 7:30 pm performance. OUT at the North Shore is sponsored by North Shore Pride.