Review By Chuck Graham

"CHRISTMAS CAROL" MAGIC GLOWS IN THE FOOTHILLS MALL

The "Christmas Carol" cast led by James Gooden as Scrooge don their gay apparel for a sincere production of this timeless favorite.

Standing O Entertainment has got the band back together for another hearty holiday production of “A Christmas Carol: A Musical Comedy,” with James Gooden returning as Ebenezer Scrooge – clearly, a role he was born to play.

Last year the show was presented at the Roadrunner Theatre Company. This year Nick Seivert as director has many of the same cast members returning with happy hearts, eager to make the most of a simplified theater setting in an empty storefront thoughtfully decorated in traditional Christmas trim at the Foothills Mall A Christmas Carol Theatre, suite 123.

What's lacking in stage and theatrical effects is made up for with detailed period costumes and the sincerity of these actors. Although the story and the characters may seem as familiar as your next door neighbor, the performers keep their talent focused on the job at hand.

It is reassuring to see how Michael Claridge brings to life the exuberance of Fezziwig and the overflowing spirit that fills the Ghost of Christmas Present.

Polished thespians Jodi Darling and Colleen Zandbergen shine sharing the parts of the Ghost of Christmas Past and the eager-to-party Agnes.

On different nights playing Belle, the young woman that Scrooge as a young man declined to pursue, are Lydia Zadareky and Adora Abanishe.

The long-suffering Bob Cratchit gets his turn at family happiness in the hands of William Winterton and Michael Conrad. A cast of eight others keep the show's energy up as various Londoners and as party-goers at the Fezziwig's home. All these roles are double cast, as well.

Gooden plays Scrooge at every performance, attuned to the shadings of personality change in this obsessed businessman while perfectly timing his Bah-Humbugs for maximum effect.

Given the overheated anxieties of today's political fervor, Charles Dickens' observations on Scrooge's behavior, written more than 170 years ago, feel even more keenly appropriate when heard in this setting.

Standing O's version of “A Christmas Carol” is also a little different in that there are also 18 uncredited songs and several moments of Gaslight Theatre-type humor.

Lindsey McHugh is the Musical Director and piano accompanist. Daniel “Sly” Slipsetsky accompanies some performances.

The costumes are provided by Linda Andresano.

Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol: A Musical Comedy” runs through Dec. 31, performances are Dec. 8-10, Dec. 15-17, Dec. 19-24, Dec. 26-31. All Sunday matinees are 3 p.m. All others days are 7 p.m., including New Year's Eve. Tickets are $22.50 general admission; $19.50 military and seniors 65+; $13.50 children 12 and under.

For details and reservations, visit: http://standingoentertainment.blogspot.com/ or call/text 520-235-0954.

To locate A Christmas Carol Theatre in the Foothills Mall, suite 123, stand in the food court, face the hallway, go right.