Not your mom's 'Carol'
A preview audience took in the tech rehearsal for the debut of a new twist on an old classic, “The Vaudeville Christmas Carol Extravaganza” presented by the Hobnob Theatre Company.
The original Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” was cleverly rewritten by local playwright Eric W. Cook and directed by the talented Ken Smith who also wrote two of the songs in the production.
The show opened with the sweet harmonies of the Butler Notables featuring Ed Leech, Jim Rea, Ron Socash and Bob Fuhrer.
The play is set in the vaudeville era of the early 20th century, and the first scene takes place during the final performance of Thanksgiving Day at the Lyric Theater in Butler. Familiar names and references lend a fun local flair.
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The unique and interesting approach to sharing the story of finding the true meaning of Christmas and goodness toward mankind was entertaining and often amusing. Filled with sight gags, stage surprises and secrets best left to delight the audience, the show is perfect for the whole family.
Casey Bowser delighted as Thomas Burkett, the overworked and underpaid theater manager. His comedic persona was on point as his nemesis and boss, played by David Skeele, put the cold and heartless into C.D. Hawtry.
Stefan Lingenfelter was in rare form as the boozy washed up thespian Ivor H. Howard. Gregg Crawford, who has been in several of the Hobnob Christmas productions, was quite out of his typical character and was quite the sensation.
The Smashing Sampsons were portrayed by Elizabeth Smith, Shaun Donovan and Adam Smith. The small but mighty group conveyed the love and importance of family, similar to the Cratchits in the Dickens' story.
A lovely number featured the Butler School of Dance ballet dancers. An adorable children's choir performed a carol in German. The show concluded with a song by Heidi Nicholls Bowser and David Skeele.
Though extremely untraditional in its approach, “The Vaudeville Christmas Carol Extravaganza” retained many of the concepts that make this theme such a tradition this time of year. Ghosts, love and loss, and the hope of becoming better humans were intertwined among the beards, pies, ballet and drumsticks.
A brave risk that will — by the sound of the audience's applause — be handsomely rewarded. It's not your momma's “Christmas Carol” but it could be yours. Perhaps Butler is ready for a new tradition this season.
WHO: Hobnob Theatre CompanyWHAT: “The Vaudeville Christmas Carol Extravaganza”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. SundayWHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $10 for adults and $5 for children available in limited supply at the door.
