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A Dickens Twist, But It's Not Oliver

Photo by KELVIN MA/staff

Theater artistic director Ruth Kegel, left, talks with director Jeff Claire about the scene where Eliza Scrooge, played by Betsey Giammattei, 13, center, meets the Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Jessie Brosch, 16, right, at rehearsal for Masque Community Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol" on Nov. 20, 2007.

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By SARAH ROTHWELL, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2007

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TEMPLE TERRACE - One of the world's best-known curmudgeons, Ebenezer Scrooge, won't take the stage for Masque Community Theatre's children's production of "A Christmas Carol." Audiences instead will meet Eliza Scrooge, a female version of Charles Dickens' classic character.

"Everyone knows the traditional story," said director Jeff Clair. "This change gives it a different look."

The musical version of "A Christmas Carol" opens Friday at Masque, 8825 N. 56th St. The 30-member cast of children ages 7 through 17 includes Betsey Giammattei as Eliza, Michael Reichert as Bob Cratchit and Brianna Brosch as Tiny Tim. The show will feature 18 holiday songs and dance numbers choreographed by Amie Fishinger.

Not many teenage boys showed for the auditions, so Clair cast a girl as the lead. Giammattei was surprised to learn she'd be playing Scrooge.

"I didn't expect it," she said. "Now, people can see the show like they've never seen it before."

Still, the theme of giving remains the same. In the beginning, Scrooge is a selfish and greedy boss unwilling to give her clerk, Bob Cratchit, a raise. Then, she is visited by three ghosts. The first ghost takes her into the past, the second shows her the present, and the third takes her to a grim future. Together, they teach Scrooge to appreciate the spirit of Christmas.

"The message is that people are more important than the almighty dollar," said parent Barbara Brosch.

Barbara's daughter, Brianna, doesn't mind dressing as a boy to play Cratchit's ill son, Tiny Tim. The character, she said, demonstrates the importance of generosity.

"Tiny Tim is an important character because when Scrooge goes to the world of what's yet to be, he sees if he doesn't change, Tiny Tim will die," she said.

Giammattei captures Scrooge's emotional breakthrough with song.

"I love the songs," she said. "My favorite is 'A Place Called Home,' my solo at the end."

To prepare for opening night, Giammattei and the other cast members spent countless hours practicing their vocals. They practiced three nights a week, memorizing lines, songs and dance steps.

Fishinger's choreography mixes different dance styles.

"The show is so diverse," she said. "It's great working with kids because they're willing to try different things."

At rehearsals, some caught on quickly. Others took more time. Now, everyone is ready to hit the stage.

"It's been tough, but we've all come together," Giammattei said.

Clair hopes people will leave the show smiling. Whether Scrooge is a boy or a girl, "A Christmas Carol" is a story representative of the holiday season, he said.

"The cast is so talented," he said. "It's a heartwarming and timeless tale for all ages."

Fishinger agreed.

"Watching this show gives me the Christmas feeling," she said. "It's what the holiday is about."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Masque Community Theatre presents a children's production of "A Christmas Carol"

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 30 through Dec. 9

WHERE: Masque Community Theatre, 8825 N. 56th St.

HOW MUCH: $14 for ages 13 through 54; $12 for ages 55 and older, students and members of the military; and $10 for ages 12 and younger

INFORMATION: Call (813) 980-3321 or visit www.masquetheatre.net.

Sarah Rothwell can be reached at srothwell@tampatrib.com or (813) 865-4845.

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