THEATER REVIEW: “Christmas Carol” comes to life with NCT

The talented cast and crew of Narrows Community Theater (NCT)delivered three fantastically gorgeous and heart-warmingpresentations of A Christmas Carol: The Musical during itsopening weekend at the Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater and,fortunately, it’s not too late to make it a Merry Christmas for thewhole family and see the show for yourself.

The special effects – such as glow-in-the-dark costuming andsmoke billowing out of the fireplace – supported the existingskill and exuberance of the cast, who prove that NCT continues tobring a Broadway-quality production to the local stage withcommunity charm.

The first to engage the audience was the kids, ranging in agefrom six to 18 years old, who impressed with their poise andtalent. Diana Marie Paunetto limps along on her prop crutch like achamp, and whether singing or speaking, radiates the goodness,cheer and hope that makes her character, Tiny Tim Cratchit, soendearing and life-changing an influence on her dad’s boss, grumpyold Ebenezer Scrooge.

As young Scrooge and young Fan (Scrooge’s younger sister), eachof the four child actors – Antonio Pizzirusso, eight, AnnalieseRaffellini, six, Ron Michael Galluccio, 12, and Jennie Cosares, 10- capture well the simultaneous sadness and optimism of theircharacters.

Timothy Sundholm and Sarah Cappiello also shine as lovebirdsYoung Ebenezer and Emily. They have an easy chemistry, as well as alovely natural harmony when singing together during the musicalnumbers of Mr. Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball and A PlaceCalled Home. Sundholm, in particular, does well with the job ofshowing how Ebenezer transitioned from a hardworking,family-focused youth to an obsessively debt-averse young man whoputs financial security above all else.

Sean Jarrell manages to be both intimidating and recognizable inhis portrayal of Ebenezer Bah Humbug! Scrooge, a more humanizedportrayal than seen elsewhere, which helps his transformation frommiser to philanthropist feel more believable.

That transformation is, of course, not possible without theGhosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, who are played withunbridled energy by Jenny Forgerson, Julia Dimant and Audrey MaeDeRocker. DeRocker also wows with her dancing skills in a cemeteryscene.

Director Jason Thomas Wiggins, music director Sheila Plummer andher orchestra, choreographer Jennifer DeVane and her dancers, andthe designers, production, sound and lighting teams, all do awonderful job of bringing 1800s London to life here inBrooklyn.

A Christmas Carol: The Musical, is a take on the timelessclassic from Charles Dickens, which has resonated with people foryears precisely because of its message of compassion and love offamily at all times.

Remaining performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 9 andSaturday, December 10; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 11. Ticketsare $20 for adults and $15 for seniors/students under age21/children. To RSVP, call 718-482-3173, email NCT@nctheaterny.comor go online at www.NarrowsCommunityTheater.com.

The theater can be accessed by car at Fort Hamilton Parkway and101st Street and by foot at Seventh Avenue and Poly Place. As theshow is on the army base, don’t forget to bring ID!