“Humbug!” The most loved expression of the stingiest man in town. To those of us who identify with the miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his extreme dislike for people in general, it is fun and maybe just a little disturbing in a way, to watch this character come to life in a theater musical. Based on the novel by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol; Repertory Philippines have successfully brought Scrooge to life, especially with the outstanding portrayal by seasoned actor Miguel Faustmann on the press preview of the production, 20th November, 2014 at the Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1.
Scrooge the Musical is filled with entertaining songs, written with such witticism and humor. The play focuses on how Scrooge changes his perception of life and happiness as he was visited by three ghosts who took him to see his past, present and future. The opening number could be more lively, especially since it opens the scene in the marketplace in Victorian London and sets the mood of the show on how people work and bicker for money in such an environment. It needs a little more energy, especially if they are to get the attention of younger audiences. The pace immediately picked up, however, when the ghost of Jacob Marley appeared, played by Raul Montesa, to warn him about focusing too much on money in this life and that he might end up like him; bound in chains as a ghost, never really able to appreciate and live life fully. I particularly liked the ghost impression on the door which is only a preview of some of the really nice stage effects you will see as the story progresses. The moving set is really worth mentioning, although it was quite simple. The set changes were done very smoothly and the on-scene transitions added a touch of magic to the show.
Cara Barredo plays the Ghost of Christmas Past, who takes Scrooge back to see his lonely childhood and shows us the most interesting part of Ebenezer’s life when he fell in love with Isabel but had to let her go because he was busy making more money. One of the most impressive things about this musical is how Scrooge (Miguel Faustmann) goes about and around in scenes where he is not supposed to be seen by the rest of the characters. You can tell it was very well thought-out and intelligently directed. It was very amusing how director Baby Barredo established the point of view of Scrooge and the ghosts, from another dimension – in one stage, without any additional props or effects. The duet of Scrooge and his younger self, played by Arnel Carrion, was also impressive and touching.
The Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Oliver Usison, takes Scrooge to his nephew’s house to see how people talk about or rather, make fun of him for his stingy attitude. There is a notable performance by one of the ensemble, Vien Allen King, who played the role of Topper, who made the most outrageous remarks about Scrooge. Those scenes added life to the play and made it even funnier. They also visit his employee Bob Cratchit (Chino Veguillas) who was overworked and underpaid by Scrooge. Bob had a sick son, Tiny Tim (Gabo Tiongson) who might die because the family cannot afford treatment. Gabo garnered a huge applause from the audience for his solo song.
The story then moves to the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-come, where he is shown the death of Tiny Tim and his own – which apparently people celebrated. He sees his own coffin being carried by the townspeople in a parade where they thank him for finally dying. This is where the ensemble picked up their performance. The song Thank You Very Much stuck with its impressionable tune and was well choreographed. Scrooge wakes up on Christmas day with a new appreciation for life and is determined to change his ways.
Overall, the play was very entertaining and would be suitable for families to watch in the holidays. I’m not so sure I agree with the depiction of Scrooge in the end; suddenly forgiving debts and giving his money away to those who owe him, in the spirit of the holidays. The message is too black and white, and somehow discards the fact that a person can be generous while still being practical for himself. And also that people still need to make a living and not expect those with better fortune to always be helpful. But then again, perhaps it’s not a material to be analyzed in such a way. Miguel Faustmann was a perfect fit for the role and was very effective in portraying this stingy miserable man who, deep down has a longing for love and happiness. If you want something refreshing this season, you can catch Rep. Ph’s Scrooge the Musical at the Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1 until December 14, 2014.
Natalia Go is a theater actor and writer.
