Review: Mr. Scrooge - it’s a Dickens of musical comedy experience

Mr. Scrooge

By Richard Morris,

Dolores Claman, Ted Wood

Directed by Kylie McKenzie Soder

Music Direction by Mark Press

Edmonds Driftwood Players

November 25 – December 18, 2016

Review by Doug Gochanour

It’s a Dickens of musical comedy experience.

Edmonds Driftwood Players is celebrating 58 years of providing high quality live theatre to our community. For the opening of the Christmas season, it is presenting this light-hearted version of the familiar Christmas tale, Mr. Scrooge.

The audience will enjoy cast members singing and dancing as a special treatment of the story of the awakening of Ebenezer Scrooge. There is wonderful costuming and set design, which reflect the sensation of “Steampunk.” Artistic elements blend with industrial items to create a new perspective on reality.

Imagine, for instance, a steam powered wristwatch, with a train whistle alarm. Could it be in this production? You will enjoy spotting those Steampunk features, which do make an appearance. Add your own Steampunk ideas / inventions, also.

The cast poses in front of the magical clock
Photo courtesy Driftwood Players

The entire cast gives a wonderful portrayal of Ebenezer’s time travel experiences, from his present, into his past, and into his future. The magical background clock is appropriately his means of transportation.

Scrooge learns about himself as he visits his alternative possibilities. He may not be able to change the past, but he can work in the present to create a better future.

Scrooge takes actions to make a better life for himself and those around him. The most prominent of those who benefit from the new Mr. Scrooge is Bob Cratchit and his family, including the crippled boy, Tiny Tim.

Tiny Tim is inspired to say, “God Bless Us, Every One.”
Photo courtesy Driftwood Players

From a life of loneliness, Ebenezer Scrooge has found happiness and caring from the Cratchit family. Relationships make the difference.

Be sure to attend a performance of Mr. Scrooge. The whole family will enjoy this special Christmas Holiday treat.