New England Theater

Review by Joe Siegel

In order to have a successful production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” you need to have a good Ebezener Scrooge.

The Arctic Playhouse has a great Scrooge. Terry Simpson, who played Kris Kringle in “Miracle on 34th Street,” is a pure delight as the selfish curmudgeon.

Simpson has a blast reciting Scrooge’s catchphrase “Humbug” as he declines to give money for the poor, rails against the celebration of Christmas, and berates Bob Cratchit (Kurt Bloom), his faithful employee.

Austin Charette, making his Arctic debut, is exceptionally charming as Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. Scrooge declines an invitation to Fred’s holiday party, preferring to spend the night alone.

The veteran performers acquit themselves quite well.

Bill Cabrera is terrifying as the chain-rattling Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s long dead business partner and friend.

Scott Conti gives an amusing turn as the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Colin McAlpine is appropriately spooky as the masked silent Ghost of Christmas Future.

Allison Krebs makes for a headstrong yet compassionate Mrs. Cratchit.

Brian Lamothe (“Miracle on 34th Street”) also shines as Fezziwig, Scrooge’s good-natured and optimistic former boss.

Emma Kerr serves as the Narrator.

The youth performers are uniformly terrific.

Atticus Gomes brings spark to the Ghost of Christmas Past as he escorts Scrooge on a tour of his past. Gomes previously appeared in “Miracle on 34th Street.” Monty Eagan-Bloom is quite effective as a younger Scrooge.

Alexander McAlpine is appealingly natural as a young Marley and as Peter Cratchit.

Julian Charette is adorable as the youngest Cratchit family member, “Tiny Tim,” who walks with a crutch.

Lloyd Felix’s exquisite set design evokes the gloom and economic hardships of Victorian England. Nancy Spirito’s costumes capture the mood perfectly.

Director Brian Sawyer has crafted a fast-paced show which maintains the heart of Dickens’ message. Jay Burns adapted the story. This is a tale of redemption. Scrooge rediscovers his humanity after years of bitterness.

Simpson shows Scrooge’s evolution as he comes to terms with the experiences of his past. He sees a grim future for himself if he doesn’t change his ways. Scrooge’s joy on Christmas morning is infectious. We see a man being reborn. A miracle of sorts.

This is a show which gives us hope for our future. It is also a wonderful way to close out an unsettling year.

A Christmas Carol runs through December 21. The Arctic Playhouse. 1249 Main Street, West Warwick, RI. Runtime is two hours with intermission. For tickets, call 401-573-3443 or visit thearcticplayhouse.com.

Terry Simpson as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photos by Sandy Smith.

Emma Kerr.

Townspeople in A Christmas Carol.