A Christmas Carol: Family Theater at the Westminster Arts Center

With Christmas about a week away, a small army of children got an early present in the form of a theatrical event: “A Christmas Carol” at the Westminster Arts Center.

Of course, some of the rambunctious youngsters risked getting on Santa’s naughty list waiting for the show to start. But once the lights went down and the show began, the children took their seats and became quickly enraptured.

Produced by the Yates Musical Theatre for Children, the production began with a musical introduction by keyboardist, Jim Campadonico. He ran through a medley of Christmas carols that got the whole audience singing or mouthing the words to the songs.

The play itself was that seemingly age-old story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserable miser who forgoes all his personal relationships in pursuit of money. Like the original story by Charles Dickens, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Marley.  Marley tells him that, because of his unrepentant greed, he will be visited by three spirits who will teach him the folly in his ways. Scrooge is then visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Future who each tell him what he has been missing due to his wretched ways.

The Yates production mixed in the original musical numbers from “A Christmas Carol” as well as both secular and non-secular carols to keep everyone humming along. The lively show moved along briskly, without an intermission, from song to dance to physical comedy. The play worked perfectly for tiny, impatient tots who never lost focus on the story.

Christopher Yates played Scrooge with impressive aplomb. He held his tightened grimace well as the hardened banker and transformed as his eyes were opened by the Spirits. His reactions in the end elicited giggles of excitement from the whole crowd.

Afterward the show, Yates told Patch why he enjoyed it so much.

“I love it. I love it. Introducing kids to theater is just amazing experience.  To be on stage or even to be out here with them to watch them, how they experience live theater.  It’s great.”

His brother, Dan Yates, who played Bob Crachit and leads the acting troupe, agreed, “I love performing for children and families, tonight there were a lot of families. I’ve always loved it. There’s a real joy to see them experience theater for the first time.”

He continued, “They let you know what they really think. You have to be good. They won’t lie to you and say they liked it. But they have such great imaginations and they’re willing to go along with the imaginary situation. It’s so much fun to perform for them.”

After the show, theatergoers Shannon Martinez and her son Jaden raved about the performances. “I loved it. My son loved it as well,” she said.

Jaden Martinez said, “I liked when the skeletons were dancing.” He was referring to a portion of the show when Scrooge visits the grave and the skeletons perform under black light.

The Yates Musical Theater for Children will next perform at Ocean County College and then Union City High School. They plan to produce “The Wizard of Oz” starting in February.

Upcoming Events at the Westminster Arts Center, 2012:

January 13 & 14: NJSDA Encore! Musical Theatre Project Presents Children of Eden, the Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) musical telling of the story of Genesis in the Bible.

Gen. $12 Srs./Students $10. 8:00pm. For tickets or information, call 973.566.9700 or visit online at  www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209693  or  www.njactors.org

Saturday, February 18, 2012 "A SECOND TIME AROUND" GOSPEL PLAY  at 2:00pm

Thursday, February 23 Wayne Hoffman: Mind Candy at 8:00pm

Thursday, March 1-4 Rogues Company: The Tiring House (various times, check website for more info.

Friday, March 16th Jody Sperling: Time Lapse Dance at 8:00pm