Monday, November 14, 2016

A Christmas Story, The Musical
Town Hall Arts Center: 11/11 – 12/30
L-R: Keegan Flaugh and Kaden Hinkle
     Nick Sugar has done it again. He’s taken an extra sweet story that many people love and has in past made this critic cringe, and turned it- in this critic’s not so humble opinion - from dross to gold. It doesn’t get much better than seeing any musical directed and choreographed by Nick Sugar.     Here this artist is ably assisted by the also estimable choreographer, Kelly Kates.
     Kaden Hinkle is a real winner as Ralphie. It is no small achievement to be able to carry a show of this magnitude. Bravo!
     Keegan Flaugh has become one of Colorado’s premiere talents. As The Old Man in this show his vocals are ear-pleasing in that confident, crisp and clear Broadway sounding way. His singing of “The Genius of Cleveland Street” is outstanding!
Mary McGroary and ensemble of "A Christmas Story,the Musical"
     Mary McGroary stuns as Miss Shields,a spinster school marm Ralphie fantasizes about saving with his beebee gun,(“Ralphie to the Rescue!”) who later appears as a show-stopping red hot mama who will belt and tap her way right into the very best of your Christmas memories.
     Eryn Carman acts and sings Mother in such a way as to make us hope we see her onstage LOTS more!
     Present as narrator, and grinning throughout, Scott McLean portrays the author, Jean Shepherd.
     The excellent music tracks done by maestra Donna Kolpan Debreceni thrill!
     Seth Alison’s lighting design is visually delicious and Douglas Clarke’s set is very nice work indeed.

     It is to be noted that one of the things director Sugar can pull off masterfully that most can’t is having a great dog and lots of cute kids onstage that enhance and endear rather than allowing them to distract, cloy and annoy. It’s a gift!
       Margie Lamb, Gabriel Morales, Sydney Fairbairn and John Mackey(Santa Claus) add spice to the ensemble of this delightful Christmas present from Town Hall!


For tickets call 303.794.2787 or go online at townhallartscenter.orgMarlowe's Musings

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