BRITS WILD BRIDE - XMAS CAROL

Stuart Goodwin and Patrcja Kujawska are whooping it up. Courtesy Photo

Jack Willis in A.C.T - Courtesy Photo

Marvelous spectacular Christmas Carol at A.C.T.

‘The Wild Bride’ is indeed “Wild”

CHRISTMAS CAROL – AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT

A Christmas Carol never seems to run out of steam. The story about Greed and Ghosts from Christmas past still intrigues audiences year after year. The Current version keeps the show fresh by making slight changes to the script. There are even hints of the Occupy group. One young man is holding a sign outside of Scrooge’s business that says: “I want a job!”

This year’s show is really a fresh treat. It’s like someone dropped candy canes from the top of the stage. A soufflé that never deflates – “an absolute can’t-miss!”

This year’s version has bumped up the Children’s presence as Vegetables to a level of delight that really shows off their talents. You could say that they are “Fresh and bright Veggies.”

James Carpenter (Scrooge) is again the master of mean. It’s so much fun to see him go from really nasty to warm and fuzzy. And of course there is the ultimate ditz, Sharon Lockwood as Mrs. Dilber. Her part may be small – but her impact is positively historic. With Carpenter and Lockwood together, you get an impressive acting duo.

Also igniting the stage are Manoel Feliciano (Bob Cratchit), Graham Bennett (Tiny Tim), and Sarah Magen (Belinda Cratchit). Also – there are the Ghosts: Jack Willis, Ben Kahre and Omoze Idehenre (Xmas Past). There is more than I can squeeze in – but with the children and all the adults I counted at least forty or more people in and out of the stage.

DIRECTED BY DOMENIQUE LOZANO AND BASED ON THE ORIGINAL DIRECTION BY CAREY PERLOFF. What would this play do without them? They have that marvelous touch. I keep hoping that maybe next time they will turn the play into a complete Broadway style musical. Well – I can hope can’t I?

Also love the music direction by Robert Rutt. Beaver Bauer’s Costumes still infuse excitement to the evening – and the sound by Jake Rodriquez will almost bounce you out of the seat. It’s great! -- As is Nancy Shertler’s lighting design.

NOW PLAYING AT A.C.T.

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked-

THE WILD BRIDE – “BRILLIANT!”

WE HAVE BEEN INVADED BY THE BRITISH

Kneehigh’s Theater Company has brought with them from Cornwall -- the Costumes, scenery, props and the best Actors in the World. All of this is now on the Roda Stage in Berkeley to turn the stage into a miraculous stunning evening. And I’m not surprised--“Kneehigh” has always been top-quality – and always will be.

This show is a dynamic team. Everything has to work like clockwork. One little fumble or mistake can ruin the whole canvas. The energetic Actor, musicians and set design bring forth a thrilling atmosphere that you won’t easily forget. This team is beyond magnificent. For me – it was like watching Acting Gods. They could do nothing wrong. Heck I would have liked to hang around with them after the show. Maybe even travel with them to the next Theatre. Of course, I kid – but I absolutely will see it again, and again and maybe again!

THE SPELLBINDING ACTORS ARE: Audrey Brisson (The Girl) – Stuart Goodwin (The Father & The Prince) Patrycja Kujawska (The Wild) – Eva Magyar (The Woman) Stuart McLoughlin (The Devil) – Ian Ross (The Musician). Hip Hip Hooray! – “They all give performances of unrelenting ferocity.” And I will say even more: The cast and the show is an extraordinary achievement in the Theatre World. It’s a gripping thriller and wicked delight. If you love ‘Live Wire’ acting – you’ll love this show! Here's a fun note: Someone sitting behind me said -- "Goodwin Cheated. He's wearing a Kilt with shorts underneath. That's cheating. I'm disappointed!" Gee -- he sure is observant -- I didn't look that closely.

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) – trademarked-  

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he has also produced and hosted a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED)))

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Courtesy of: beyondchron