Good Luck Macbeth Theatre never disappoints with their Christmas season productions. This year they decided on “Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge,” a hilarious new take on the timeless classic “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
The musical follows Mrs. Cratchit, the mother of Tiny Tim, as she realizes she is not cut out for the goody-goody life in which she has found herself. Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future watch as Cratchit takes her life into her own hands.
There are several references to other Dickens tales, Christmas stories, and pop-culture. The blend creates hilarious overlaps and unpredictable outcomes.
The audience should be warned, however. Despite this play being light-hearted and comical, there are a lot of instances of dark humor involving suicide that could be triggering to some. I would warn people to not see the play if they aren’t in a clear headspace or to be with a trusted companion if they do come.
The only other aspect of the play I didn’t fully enjoy was the ending. The characters joke how there’s an unclear moral to the story since the bad guys happened to have a good ending. While there’s humor in the moment, it does leave the ending a little unsatisfactory.
Despite the minor criticisms, I was highly entertained by the play and was constantly cracking up. The character of Mrs. Bob Cratchit, played by Stacy Johnson, was done especially well. Johnson was a sarcastic and lovable stand out. I can’t think of anyone who could play the role better than she. The entire cast gave an excellent performance, though.
I also admired the pianist and the bell arrangement for live music. They added a charming touch to the songs and an extra layer of Christmas magic.
For anyone who loves a good Christmas tale, this play will surely spark some holiday joy.
The Details
- Web: https://www.goodluckmacbeth.org/now-showing.html
- Written by Christopher Durang
- Directed by Jamie Woodham
Evening Show Dates: 11/29, 11/30, 12/5, 12/6, 12/7, 12/12, 12/13, 12/14, 12/18, 12/19, 12/20
- House opens @ 6:45 p.m.
- Performance starts @ 7:30 p.m.
Matinee Show Dates: 12/8, 12/15
- House opens @ 1:30 p.m.
- Performance starts @ 2:00 p.m.
Tickets
- $18 in advance
- $20 at the door
- $30 for VIP champagne seating
Cast
- Annalize Sanders as The Ghost
- Kevin McCray as Ebenezer Scrooge
- Stacy Johnson as Mrs. Bob Cratchit
- Robert Simpson as Bob Cratchit
- Mackenzie Hamel as Tiny Tim
- Amanda Alvey as Mrs. Fezziwig/Little Nell
- Ryan Costello as Gentleman 1/Mr. Fezziwig/Edvar/Clarence
- Jasper Allen Unger IV as Gentleman 2/The Beadle/George
- Ashley James as Young Ebenezer/Cratchit Child 1
- Jayton Newbury as Cratchit Child 2/Minion
- John Walmsley as Jacob Marley/Hedvig
- Sophie Moeller as Nice Mrs. Cratchit/Zuzu/Serena
