Elaborate tale
Landmark Musicals stages lavish production of ‘A Christmas Carol’
Ebeneezer Scrooge’s journey in “A Christmas Carol” is a timeless one. It’s also a tale that is beloved.
Albuquerque-based Landmark Musicals is taking on the production — which is a big one.
There are 43 cast members, as well as a 14-piece orchestra.
“It’s a lavish production,” says producer Myra Cochnar. “This is inspired by the version that was done at Madison Square Garden. Kelsey Grammer played Scrooge and it was a hit.”
Cochnar says the production is very detail oriented.
“The set is being constructed elsewhere, and we have a finite period of time before we open and the set has to be transported to Rodey,” she says. “Then, the lighting and sound will be put into place.”
The production is directed by Laurie Finnegan, with sets by Dahl Delu, Landmark’s Emmy Award-wining production designer.
“A Christmas Carol” was written by Charles Dickens. It follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a nasty old man who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comforts of others.
With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summarizes his feelings about Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but is forced
to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future.
The music is written by Alan Menken, who also wrote scores for “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “Newsies.” Lynn Ahrens wrote the lyrics.
Cochnar says the production stars Ryan Shepherd as Scrooge.
Shepherd is a former Broadway actor who is now a dentist in Albuquerque.
The cast also features Shepherd’s two daughters and his father.
Oliver Groves, who plays Tiny Tim, is joined by brothers Charlie and Oscar, sister Scarlett and mom Lana.
“The show is truly a family affair,” says Cochnar. “In fact, of the 43 cast members, nearly half are part of several performing families. And they’re all talented.”