Nebraska Communities Playhouse proves once again why its productions are worth the drive to Hickman, as the Broadway musical version of A Christmas Carol is a must-see. NCP always lights up the lobby with festive holiday décor and even had cast members singing Christmas carols before the show, immediately setting the tone for a joyful evening. The bar is fully stocked with seasonal drinks and cheery bartenders, offering something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for their “Yuletide Redemption” (brandy, eggnog, and nutmeg) or a cozy hot cocoa from the mocktails menu.
Though I’m completely biased toward the muppets take, I found myself loving yet another version of this classic tale. This production delivers everything you hope for in a theatrical experience—big laughs, teary eyes, jaw-dropping visuals, and beautifully executed harmonies. It also marks an impressive directorial debut by local actor Sam Ninegar, one of the highly gifted performers in the area.
As the curtain rises, the audience is immersed in 1860 Victorian London through a visually striking array of 3D-like, storybook pop-up pieces flanking the sides of the stage, each displaying angled buildings towering from above as if the structures are looking down upon the action happening below. A brilliant use of projections illuminates the backdrop down the center and I found myself in awe of the patterns of light that danced before my eyes.
The set is masterfully designed by JD Madsen, who also delivers a brilliant performance as Scrooge. Madsen often wears multiple hats in each production he’s part of, and the care he pours into every element is evident—no task suffers due to the time commitment of another (can someone please make sure he’s sleeping?). His Scrooge is everything you hope for and more: satisfyingly grumbly at the start and even intimidating to audience members in the back of the house. As the story unfolds, Madsen earns big laughs in his reactions to the three spirits, showcases robust vocal chops with beautifully sustained musical lines, and ultimately makes us believe in the power of redemption—with a twinkle in his eye and a heart grown three sizes (whoops, wrong show).
At the start of the story we meet several characters as Scrooge gripes with a trademark “Bah, humbug!” at each of their holiday requests. His nephew Fred and his underpaid clerk Bob Cratchit, perfectly cast by Tim Andersen and Sam Pynes, respectively, each embody the true spirit of Christmas with a quiet courage that stands in sharp contrast to Scrooge’s bitterness. We also meet the rest of the Cratchit family—Mrs. Cratchit played by Emily Pynes (incredible acting/singing talent in the area I wasn’t aware of before), Martha (Shayne Skaw), and Tiny Tim (Eva Erhke)—and instantly fall in love with their warmth and charm. They capture the heart of the Cratchit household so completely that you’ll want to invite them over for Christmas dinner.
The story’s catalyst arrives with the ghost of Scrooge’s former business partner, Jacob Marley, portrayed by Christian Cardona, who informs Scrooge that he will be visited by 3 spirits. Cardona surprised the audience with some comedic moments in between his ghostly howls (SCROOOOOOGEEEE!!!) and daunting vocals during ‘Link by Link’. Cardona proves time and again that he is a master of his instrument and succeeds in winning laughs from the entire house through his physicality, all while maintaining the weight of Marley’s warning.
The three spirits—Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet-To-Be—played by Laura Lynn Horst, Connor Dudley, and Isabelle Bertrand, are each standouts in their own way.
Horst’s Christmas Past is lively, whimsical, and quirky, bringing a playful energy that beautifully contrasts the story’s heavier moments. Her soaring soprano will have you returning for a second viewing.
Dudley’s Christmas Present will get you into the Christmas spirit whether you like it or not as soon as he hits the stage. Any role Dudley touches comes alive with a force, and your eyes are drawn to him even when he isn’t the central focus.
Bertrand’s Christmas Yet-To-Be will completely captivate you with her movement. As the eerily silent ghost, who usually remains static as they point Scrooge toward his grim future, choreographer Caitie Ninegar chose to expand on Bertrand’s dance training instead. The way Bertrand travels about the stage not only shows her athleticism and precision, but moves the plot forward in a way you haven’t witnessed before and is worth the price of admission alone.
Speaking of the choreographer, this is Caitie Ninegar’s second show at NCP and I hope she becomes a season regular. Caitie made great use of props, including chains and shovels (that 3-way shovel toss, wow!) and has an incredible eye for movement that makes everyone on the stage look good, dance experience or not. It was refreshing to see the majority of the ensemble get a chance to shine in the large dance numbers as well.
Additional standouts for me include Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig (Joe Hanson and Marikita Saure), along with featured ensemble member Nathan Kreutzer. These actors always deliver larger than life performances any task they’re given, furthering your investment in the story and only expanding the smile already hurting your face.
Overall, this cast is a joy to watch. I was especially impressed by the comfort and confidence each performer displayed, whether new to NCP or repeat volunteers. Every actor commanded the stage when given the opportunity, a testament to the atmosphere of play and courage that director Sam Ninegar clearly cultivated.
Costumes by Soren Hargrove’s expansive toolkit of skills elevated the show beyond any notion of ‘community theatre’, and Cody Lee Crist’s lighting design didn’t miss a beat, every cue enhancing mood, movement, and storytelling.
Music director Justin Eisenbeis also continues his streak of delivering an ensemble that is well prepared and delivers a rich, polished and full-bodied sound.
If you’re struggling to get into the holiday spirit this season, NCP’s A Christmas Carol will fix that in a pinch.
If You Go:
Remaining performances of A Christmas Carol are Saturday, December 20th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 21st at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the box office or online at neplayhouse.com.
Matt Osmotherly is a property manager for CIP Communities and an aspiring author. He is heavily involved in the Lincoln community theatre scene as an actor and choreographer and can often be found soft-shoeing once a week in a grocery store near you.
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