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BROOKLYN BUZZ: NCT to reinvent a Christmas classic

November 29, 2011 Heather Chin

Photos by Nicole Macdonald.

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Bah humbug, said Ebenezer Scrooge. To which Tiny Timeventually responds by wishing everyone A Merry Christmas to usall!

It is in that spirit that the folks over at Narrows CommunityTheater (NCT) are presenting a holiday production of A ChristmasCarol, The Musical, while also inviting audience members to bringa new, unwrapped toy to the show for their annual toy drive insupport of Toys For Tots.

[The show] comes just in time to awaken the Christmas spirit,said NCT President Susan Huizinga, who will be portraying Mrs.Fezziwig in the six-show production. It’s heartwarming, redeeming.And Scrooge is such a great character.

Actor Sean Jarrell, who is stepping into the well-shod feet ofEbenezer Scrooge, agrees, calling the iconic character one of thegreat roles in theater and one that helps shine a light on thetimeless, universal need for human compassion.

This play is very timely considering what’s going on right nowon Wall Street. There’s lots of news about class and this show isall about class, noted Jarrell. Every year, [this show gives] usperspective on other people’s plight and send the message that weshould help other people.

The show is a musical take on the timeless classic from CharlesDickens, based on the Madison Square Garden production that ran for10 years. It will be performed at the Fort Hamilton Army BaseTheater at 8 p.m. on Fridays, December 2 and 9, and Saturdays,December 3 and 10, as well as at 2 p.m. on Sundays, December 4 and11.

In addition to the goodwill and festivity, there will of coursebe a healthy dose of fun, music, dancing and even special effects,thanks to the space provided by the fort’s theater.

Most impressive [about the show] is the energy, and the musicis phenomenal, said Ann Gubiotti, NCT’s publicity manager. Andthe special effects, too. Since we’ve been back at the fort, wehave had the opportunity to test the [special effects] stuffout.

All of these combine for the perfect night out for families ofall ages.

Christmas is always a special time for families. There is theNCT family and every time we put on a new show there are newadditions to the family, noted Michael Ables, who will grace thestage as the financially straitened yet loving patriarch BobCratchit. This makes this show particularly special.

This year, the NCT family includes around 10 children. The showis being directed by Jason Thomas Wiggins, with music directorSheila Plummer and choreographer Jennifer DeVane.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol, The Musical are $20 for adultsand $15 for seniors/students under age 21/children. To ordertickets, call 718-482-3173, email [email protected] or go onlineat www.NarrowsCommunityTheater.com. The theater can be accessed bycar at Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street and by foot atSeventh Avenue and Poly Place. As the show is on the army base,don’t forget to bring ID!