HMT production proves enduring appeal of holiday classic

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » A capacity crowd at a 1 p.m. matinee performance over the weekend for Home Made Theater’s production of “A Christmas Carol” proves the enduring appeal of a classic holiday tale. The audience includes as many children as adults, indicating the universality and broad appeal of this holiday tale.

With this in mind, perhaps HMT makes a wise decision in offering a basic, almost simple presentation of the classic story about re- demption. Rather than produce a slick, high-tech production the troupe presents the story in a manner that will make comfortable anyone who knows the tale.

This is a production that does not try to reinvent the wheel. It’s a non- complicated offering of the classic Charles Dickens’ story that has come to define Christmas. Indeed, the effort often seems more like a costumed stage reading than it does a fully rehearsed production.

The lines are offered in a calm, even manner to the point they seem recited rather than dramatized. The blocking by di- rector Dianne O’Neil Filer is elementary, with much of the movement by the huge cast, appearing more like crowd control than it is concerned with creating stage pictures.

Adding to the non- dramatic feel of the effort is the use of a narrator, who explains to us the emotions of the moment, as well as setting time and location. Played by the charming and gentle Marilyn Detmer, it is a device that works well. However, having the silver-haired Ms. Detmer costumed in a red holiday gown makes her look more like Mrs. Santa Claus than she does a person setting the scene of a dark story about greed, poverty and redemption.

The narrator sets the tone of the presentation. This is a non-threatening offering that will neither jar your senses nor your conscience. For an example, the Spirits of Christmas Present and Christmas Past are safely dressed in white and their entrances come not from an unknown mysterious space but from behind the bed.

Indeed, you can understand Scrooge not being cowed or intimidated by such seeming benevolent Spirits. On the other hand, because Warren Schultz plays Scrooge as cranky rather than mean, the spirits might feel there is little reason to be hard on the miser. The result of this gentleness is that Scrooge shows little reflection and less fear at the visions offered. And while his transformation from a grumpy crank to sweet old man seems genuine, it is not an occasion for great celebration.

Supporting the intent of not challenging the audience or the three dozen cast members, the result is a swift show - taking only an hour and a half, includ- ing an unnecessary 15-minute intermission.

It is an attractive production and the performers are earnest in their desire to tell a story that is wellknown and beloved. It’s a sincere attempts to capture the spirit of the holiday.