Thursday, November 29, 2018

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UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA'S
A CHRISTMAS CAROL IS 
ENJOYABLE AND MEMORABLE

ADDITION: A Christmas Carol opens FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30th, and continues through December 8.

The University of Oklahoma's presentation of A Christmas Carol enjoyable, and particularly memorable because of its appeal to all ages. There are moments of slapstick comedy, and times of real feeling -- as when Ebenezer Scrooge, well played by Micah Weese, repents his miserly ways, and rejoices in his newfound feeling for humanity. There are well-sung a capella Christmas carols -- directed by Mandy Jiran and a very energetic and delightful dances choreographed by Roxanne Lyst.

In the direction of the play, particularly in the opening scenes, Tom Huston Orr presented a play that flowed like water. His direction was particularly effective in staging of the scene with the Crachits and Scrooge's nephew's family in opposite vignettes on opposite sides of the stage, the Ghost of Christmas Present standing on a walkway above stage, and Scrooge standing on the stage in the middle of these actions.  Orr also wrote the adaptation, which sounded like storytelling in the beginning of the play, and led to Scrooge's repentance.

There are well-sung a capella Christmas carols -- directed by Mandy Jiran and a very energetic and delightful dances choreographed by Roxanne Lyst. Scenic director Uldarico Sarmiento is to be commended for his two level set, the rolling stairs and scenery, and the stripped down facades of mid-1800s London. Arresting lighting, particularly in the scene when Jacob Marley appears, was designed by Richard L. Sprecker.

Tickets may be pruchased online at theatre.ou.edu, or by calling 405.325-4101 or by visiting the
OU Fine Arts Box Office in the Catlett Music Center, 300 W. Boyd Street.

Race Ricketts was both effective and appropriately over the top as the ghost of Scrooge's partner Jacob Marley. He was also very funny. Also to be mentioned is Justin Armer, who appeared as Bob Crachit. Lucy Dinsmore was effective as the twittering with laughter Mrs. Topper. The cast as a whole created a world that was good to watch, and a pleasant to be.

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