Holiday effort by VPA is no humbug

Theater review, by FRANK AMEDURI

Valley theater goers get to open at least one gift early this year. Valley Performing Arts has taken on the daunting task of producing the musical "Scrooge," and they've turned it into a box full of pleasant surprises in a very nice package.

With a huge cast (many of whom are young children and first-timers), tricky musical arrangements and a challenging set, there were plenty of things that could have gone wrong, but director Jeff Babcock has pulled it off, and this is a play everyone in the Valley should see.

Babcock has employed the help of musical director, Teri Pontius and Choreographers Nicole Mitchell and Anita Mitchell, and the team has the cast well-tuned -- and fine tuned -- to sing and dance to the music and words of Leslie Bricusse.

The huge cast also presented costuming challenges, Mary Horman, Lori Blohm and Peg Babcock were more than up to the task.

The set, designed by Dave Putnam, is worth the price of admission alone, and it is beautifully lit by Rod Mehrtens. There are even a few special effects surprises that are sure to raise a few eyebrows.

The giant cast works well together, even in a fairly tricky dance sequence that must be pulled off in a fairly tight space. The set takes advantage of every available square inch.

Valley Performing Arts Managing Producer John Fairfield pointed to an intricate backdrop. "That's the back wall," he said. "I asked them to use a thinner paint to save space." With a creative set design, and some light-footed adjustments between scenes, the cast and crew get the most from the space.

Dick Dossett plays the title role, and he manages to capture all the grumpiness and charm of Ebenezer Scrooge. Dosset is a seasoned actor who always manages to pull the audience into the play. His use of humor is always subtle and effective, and he makes this character his own.

Ted Carney is also strong in the role of Bob Cratchit, and Ed Ripley simply shines as the ghost of Christmas present. Also, while the role of Tommi Jenkins is not a huge one, perennial favorite Sara Hendricks is hard to miss. She turns the musical number, "Thank You Very Much" into one of the highlights of the entire production.

If you're not sure you're going to get everything on your list this holiday season, treat yourself to a night at the Fred and Sara Machetanz Theatre. It's a gift that will carry the season for you.