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‘Scrooge’ returns to NMU

Two charity workers approach Ebeneezer Scrooge played by Devin Murphy to ask for donations during a scene in the Northern Michigan University production. Community members and NMU students come together to bring the musical adaptation of Charles Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ to life on the Forest Roberts Theatre Stage beginning Thursday and continuing through Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Denise Clark)

MARQUETTE — The Forest Roberts Theatre continues its holiday tradition by again presenting the Charles Dickens classic “Scrooge” Thursday through Sunday.

The 2017 version of the Leslie Bricusse one-act musical is a strong, very enjoyable production. “Scrooge” is again a truly community effort joining the forces of Northern Michigan University students, community members along with some of the strongest youth performers from our area. Director Denise Clark, staff, and the company of talented actors and technicians are to be commended for their work on “Scrooge.”

As the show begins, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge literally unfolds from a giant storybook, designed by Vic Holiday, and the actors set the scene, 1860 in Cheapside, London. Devin Murphy, an NMU senior as Scrooge, displays acting ability well beyond his years. Believable and convincing, Murphy carries the show with ease. The transformative “Begin Again” is a highlight of his performance.

Nathaniel Langlie is strong as the overworked, underpaid, but yet still happy Bob Cratchit. Jill Vermeulen as Mrs. Cratchit dazzles us with her singing voice and the Cratchit kids (Asa Naigus, Abby Harma, Maggie Boburka) are delightful and the entire Cratchit family looks and acts like a real family. Ezekiel Miller is adorable as Tiny Tim and Denise Clark’s staging of “The Beautiful Day” is a highlight of the production.

Monica Nordeen givens an intense, original cameo performance of Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s former business partner who is breaking away from the chains of death to talk to Ebenezer. Scrooge is then haunted by three ghosts. Teagan Sturmer elegantly portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past and Rusty Bowers returns to the cast (last year he played Scrooge) as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Bowers reminds us that he is a very strong singer in “I Like Life.” Bobby Glenn Brown plays double duty as the stilted giant Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and Mr. Fezziwig opposite Faye Nesbitt Elder. It’s great to see both of them on stage again.

Jeremiah Ogawa as Tom Jenkins and Charlie Edwards as Simpkins are both delightfully energetic and fun to watch as they sing and dance their way through “Thank You Very Much.” Other standouts include Aaron James Carlson as the nephew, Riley Fields as Isabel, Nicholas Conroy as Young Ebenezer, and the shoppers, sellers, urchins, and chorus members who are always fully engaged in all scenes.

Jill Grundstrom’s choreography is natural, well executed and adds to the overall production. Her clever staging of “Father Christmas” with the urchins is adorable! Choreographer Grundstrom and director Denise Clark are an amazing team. Costumes by Regan McKay are colorful and period appropriate, props by Hannah Cormier are effective and appropriately minimal, Lily Howder’s lighting design is effective with the use of the FRT’S new LED and moving lights, a very noticeable upgrade. Sound and projections by Dan Zini are fine quality. It is nice to see so many NMU students in leadership roles in the technical areas. Kudos also to Anna Morrison, Stage Manager, and David Pierce, Technical Director, for their work in making it all happen.

Don’t miss “Scrooge” at the Forest Roberts Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at the NMU EZ Ticket Outlets and www.nmu.edu /tickets.

Be sure to check out the upcoming events at the FRT: The Fringe Festival, the NMU Dance Concert, “Peter Pan” and “Tarzan the Musical.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dave Dagenais is a local educator, director, and performer.

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