North Shore Music Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol' is a Remarkable Tradition

Beware the three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

North Shore Music Theater presents the 30th production of their annual holiday show A Christmas Carol. Based on the classic novel written by Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge detests Christmas. One Christmas Eve, three ghosts visit Scrooge. They challenge him to look at his past, the present, and the future.

After closing its doors for an entire year, North Shore Music Theater is back with its annual production of A Christmas Carol. I was happy to be sitting back in the theater watching the magic come alive. A Christmas Carol embodies a vital message to leave the darkness in the past, live in the present, and look forward to the future.

Lively, energetic, and exhilarating, David Coffee returns as Ebenezer Scrooge. Coffee is remarkable in his performance. He is the highlight of the show. Holding onto the darkness from his past, Scrooge comes to learn that it’s better to live in the moment than be unhappy. It’s never too late to change.

A Christmas Carol welcomes a couple of new faces to the stage. As the Narrator, Sommer Carbuccia dictated the story. Not only did he deliver an excellent tale, but Carbuccia is also a role model. Wearing a prosthetic leg, both his character and his presence reinforces a powerful message to all audiences.

As always, my favorite scene of the show is when Scrooge gets a visit from the ghostly Jacob Marley. Alex Puette lit up (and even startled) audiences, bellowing frightful cries, flying about the stage. His sequence is always a scene-stealer.

The three ghosts show Scrooge significant events from his past, present, and what is to come in the future. Leigh Barrett’s beautiful angelic voice graced the stage along with her elegant attire. Enforcing that the past can hurt, we cannot run from it.

Introducing Marcus M. Martin as the humble Christmas Present dressed in a long red robe, his booming, enriching voice, and charming enthusiasm was remarkable. He definitely earned a handful of applause.

Flipping about the stage and doing several acrobatic moves, Michael Harmon and Brianna Fallon were outstanding as the Pearlies.

Cheryl McMahon makes another memorable appearance as Mrs. Dilber. Other notable credits are Russell Garrett (Bob Cratchitt), Derek Luscutoff (Young Scrooge), Bronson Norris Murphy (Fred), and Allsun O’Malley (Belle).

There is no such thing as a small part in the theater. The ensemble has a fun time bringing this show to life. Whether it’s dancing at Fezziwig’s (J.T. Turner) Christmas party, chasing one another in the street, or happily singing a merry tune, the ensemble makes the audience smile.

The theater outdoes itself with the astonishing special effects. From lighting, sound, a live orchestra, festive set pieces, and remarkable costumes, a hand goes out to the hardworking crew members. Be aware that there are loud noises in Scrooge and Marley’s encounter. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come’s appearance is startling.

A Christmas Carol is an exciting tradition among many families. That’s one of my favorite parts about this production. It’s a time to come together, share a laugh, and lend your imagination.

Director Kevin P. Hill illuminates this message. As we have all been experiencing ups and downs in a rather significant time, Hill also conquers that it’s best to remain in the present and look forward to the future instead of worrying about what has occurred in the past.

Only a couple of shows remain of A Christmas Carol. If you have a chance, I recommend that you catch a showing at North Shore Music Theater. It is well worth it for the holiday season.