The recent opening of Arts Club Theatre Company’s Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol marked the return of main stage theatre to Vancouver since COVID-19. And what better way to re-ignite the stage lights of the Stanley Theatre than a masterful blend of creative staging, technical design, and live performances. The result is musical theatre magic that we’ve been deprived of for far too long.
Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is a reimagining of Charles Dicken’s classic tale, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, and book by David H. Bell. Set in Morton’s Holler, a small mining town in East Tennessee in 1936, everyone’s favourite miser, Ebenezer Scrooge (the excellent David M. Adams) owns everything in the town, giving him ample opportunity to unleash his tyranny on everyone.
Bell and his credited writing team have done a nice job with making this version fresh and unique, including an interesting lead-up to when young Ebenezer (Jonathan Winsby) transforms into the miserable version of Scrooge. The theme of miner’s rights and working conditions is also appropriately weaved into the story. Parton’s songs – while not particularly memorable here – are at least fitting, comprised of soulful country ballads and lively jams.
Director Bobby Garcia has done a stellar job of bringing together the skilled efforts of the creative and performance team, allowing each artist to shine in their own way. Shizuka Kai’s simple, yet inventive set – which involves large beams of wood that stretch across the top of the stage, hovering over miniature figures of the town – does a great job of setting the tone for the show’s locale, inviting us into the rustic log cabins and small-town buildings. The miniature rendering of the town helps us visualize the context of where the action is happening without the need for large set pieces or backdrops.
Parjad Sharifi’s lighting adds to Kai’s set design to produce a whimsical quality. For example, some set pieces glow from within, such as lanterns, and the miniature town rendering. Carmen Altatorre’s costuming – a collection of dull, 1930’s era winter garments – appropriately captures the look of a small mining town during the depression.
And there’s some fun to be had here too – there’s a scene where a chorus of ghosts spring up in Scrooge’s bedroom. These ghouls are cloaked in the drab material worn by the town folk, and have tree branches for hands. With the addition of Rick Calhoun’s superb sound design, I felt like I was right there being haunted with Scrooge. In fact, Calhoun’s sound effects continually made me feel like I was part of the action throughout the show. At one point, the sound of the whistling wind made me shiver.
Cast of Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. Photo credit: Moonrider Productions
Musical director Ken Cormier has done a fine job of working with the cast and musicians to perform Parton’s score. The vocals and music sound wonderful, including some first-rate harmonies from the cast. Julio Fuente’s stylized choreography does an excellent job of bringing to life the spirit of the townspeople. Standout dancer Graeme Kitagawa shines in these numbers, as does Madeleine Suddaby who truly demonstrates her talents as a true triple threat performer throughout the show, convincingly playing a multitude of characters including the Ghost of Christmas Past and Scrooge’s maid, Mrs. Dilber, where she delivers some great comedy relief.
As expected, David M. Adams, one of Vancouver’s most accomplished and revered theatre actors, brings his exceptional talents to the role of Scrooge. He is both intimidating and hilarious as the evil Scrooge, and loveable in the reformed version. Jonathan Winsby, also a highly acclaimed actor, does a stellar job playing both Eben (the young version of Scrooge) and his kind-hearted nephew Fred. Winsby’s portrayal of Eben’s dark descent is chilling, and his charm as Fred brings nice warmth to the show.
Perhaps the most touching aspect of the show is the father-and-son relationship between Charlie Gallant as Bob Cratchit and young Rickie Wang as Tiny Tim (Wang played the role on opening night and alternates with Georgia Acken). Gallant plays Bob with beautiful sensitivity and Wang is enjoyably cute and precious as Tim.
Synthia Yusuf also stands out in her portrayal of multiple roles including Scrooge’s sister Fanny and later, his love interest Sadie. Yes – it is a bit odd to see both these characters played by the same actress. However, I’m sure audiences will overlook this, as Yusuf glows onstage as Fanny with her smile and rendition of “3 Candles”, and then does an excellent job of switching gears and showing us the complex issues Sadie faces.
From left to right: Madeleine Suddaby, David M. Adams, Synthia Yusuf, and Jonathan Winsby. Photo credit: Moonrider Productions
One aspect of Garcia’s staging that I quite enjoyed was the magical flavouring in the first act. There’s a miniature train that runs along the top of the stage, and interesting set pieces and props such as wheels and lanterns are featured, conjuring up Harry Potter and Wicked vibes. However, this magical element disappears in the second act; it would have been nice for it to have been consistently threaded throughout.
Some of Parton’s songs run on for far too long, pulling focus away from the story. For example, while it’s nice to hear Chelsea Rose’s singing in “Appalachian Snowfall”, the song drags on without advancing the plot. Many of the other songs could stand to be shortened.
However, the show’s minor weaknesses are outweighed by the uplifting qualities of the show. The transporting of Dicken’s tale to small town East Tennessee (kudos to dialect coach Adam Henderson), brings a southern warmth to the story. And the talent from the creative team and performers here is tremendous. Live theatre is once again shining bright, in Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol. This show is a great way to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones.
Arts Club Theatre Company’s Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol plays at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage until January 2, 2022. Visit the Arts Club’s website for ticket information.