Magical Revival of "A Christmas Carol" Musical Enlivens Holiday Spirit in Rockwell

For many, including myself, Christmas remains incomplete without the timeless tale of Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol." Since childhood, the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformative journey has been an essential part of holiday traditions. This year, the classic took a fresh, enchanting form on stage as a musical at the Proscenium in Rockwell, courtesy of the 9Works production.

Directed by Robbie Guevarra, now in his fourth collaboration with this material, the show avoided becoming a routine retread despite the story's familiarity. Guevarra’s straightforward yet precise direction emphasized the narrative’s heart, producing an immersive and uplifting Christmas experience that resonated strongly with the audience.

The production’s highlight was its captivating original score composed by Alan Menken, famed for "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast," alongside lyricist Lynn Ahrens ("Once on This Island," "Anastasia"). The music encouraged joyful movement and perfectly complemented the festive atmosphere.

The cast delivered impressive performances, showcasing versatility and energy essential to this demanding ensemble piece. Franco Laurel portrayed the Ghost of Christmas Past with grace, while Lorenz Martinez brought vibrancy as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Carmelle Ros enchanted as the dancing Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Supporting roles were equally strong, with Boo Gabunada as Jacob Marley and Ana Santmaria embodying Mrs. Cratchit.

Notable young talents included Enzo Isaac as Tiny Tim and Kim Hewitt as Jonathan, both demonstrating remarkable poise and vocal clarity. CJ Navato and Nicole Omillo reprised their popular onstage partnership as Young Scrooge and his fiancée Emily, further deepening the production's emotional impact.

Arnel Carrion’s portrayal of Scrooge offered a distinctive interpretation—less jaded, more approachable, yet still compelling and true to the character’s evolution. The musical’s soundscape, orchestrated by Daniel Bartolome, delivered dynamic and lyrical accompaniment, soaring with the emotional arcs of the story.

Set design by Mio Infante embraced minimalism, utilizing digital projections to evoke settings effectively without clutter, allowing fluidity in storytelling. The choreography, crafted by PJ Rebullida, infused the production with spirited dance numbers featuring traditional polkas, galops, and waltzes that animated the narrative.

Overall, this rendition of "A Christmas Carol" succeeded in rekindling the timeless message of hope, generosity, and transformation, encouraging audiences to embrace kindness amidst the challenges of the modern world. Following such a heartening performance, anticipation for next year’s musical is already building.

As this annual theatrical tradition proves, revisiting Dickens’ classic remains a powerful way to reconnect with the spirit of Christmas and dispel our inner Scrooge throughout the year.