Theatre Review: "A Christmas Carol, The Broadway Musical" At Gateway Theater

Gateway’s “A Christmas Carol, The Broadway Musical” is a Spirited Production for the Whole Family

By Cindi Sansone-Braff 

Photo: The Gateway

Gateway’s magical production at the Patchogue Theater is one of those Christmas miracles we all pray for. The musical adaptation of Dickens’s beloved Christmas story brings a new twist to an old tale. This show has it all: great acting, singing, dancing, a live orchestra, Broadway-quality costumes, spectacular special effects, and a magnificent set designed by the talented Kelly Tighe.

A Christmas Carol, The Broadway Musical was an annual holiday tradition at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden from December 1994 until December 2003. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, this show continues to enthrall audiences of all ages, as evidenced by Saturday night’s rousing standing ovation.

One of the underlying themes in Dickens’s 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, the source material for this musical, was the hardships of being a child during the Victorian era. Scrooge’s miserably lonely childhood played a significant role in his grown-up jaded and pessimistic attitude toward the world. The storyline concerning Tiny Tim and the possibility of his early death from a childhood disease mirrors the real fears and harsh realities of life during the 19^th century. With that said, a great deal of the success of this production must be given to the dedication and talent of the cast of children, who are members of The Gateway School for the Performing Arts. A big applause goes out to Logan Baxter, Sonnie Betts, Sage Cotter, Bailey DeLauter, Skylar Greene, David Lafler, Kailyn Marra, Halle Morana, Sienna Reefer, Mia Rofrano, Marty Timlin, Elliot Torbenson, and Addison Wasylyshyn.  

A heartwarming moment in the show takes place at the Cratchit’s house when the entire family sings the upbeat song “Christmas Together.” Bennett Schneider was particularly endearing in the role of Tiny Tim, and he aced his solo. Ben Jacoby was convincing as the ever-optimistic Bob Cratchit, and Jennifer Byrne gave a strong performance as his loving wife.

The full title of Dickens’s novella is A Christmas Carol, In Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas. The four ghosts in this production are all eerily unforgettable. Tom Lucca was fantastic as the ghost of Jacob Marley, revealing his powerhouse vocals during the bone-chilling song “Link by Link.” The audience was memorized as Marley flew across the stage, terrifying Scrooge. Gerry McIntrye gave a showstopping performance as The Ghost of Christmas Present, as did Morgan Billings Smith in her role as the Ghost of Christmas Past. As the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Be, Saki Masuda performed one of the most beautifully choreographed dance numbers I have ever seen, thanks to the gifted choreographer Debbie Roshe.

As for the central character, Ebenezer Scrooge, Howard Pinhasik gave an award-worthy performance as the bitter, bah-humbugging curmudgeon who finds redemption. Mr. Pinhasik displayed his strong acting, dancing, and singing skills throughout the show. 

I loved seeing Gateway’s Director of Development, Scot Patrick Allan, in the role of Mr. Smythe. Mr. Allan has a charismatic and engaging stage presence, and I hope to see him in many more productions.

During the festive song and dance number, “Mr. Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball,” Robert Anthony Jones was a standout as the jovial Mr. Fezziwig.  Renee Marie Titus was equally as memorable in the role of his fun-loving, supportive wife, and Ms. Titus and Mr. Jones garnered some of the biggest laughs of the evening.

Under the astute direction of David Ruttura, the entire ensemble was first-rate, and their high energy and immense talent added to the overall success of this production. Ensemble and swing members include Evan Bertram, Steven Gagliano, Cody Gerszewski, Gianna Vasquez Bartolini, Daniel Deist, Fabi Gallmeister, Kaitlyn LaGrega, Whitley Locks, Katie Mattar, Michael Morley, Corrie Newman, Austin Phillips, Grace Sautter, and Brian C. Veith. 

Gateway’s spectacular production of A Christmas Carol, The Broadway Musical, is entertaining and enchanting right up to the exuberant finale when Ebenezer Scrooge rejoices in the true spirit of Christmas. A moment later, snowflakes fell upon the stage, and the children in the audience clapped their hands in delight. 

Running through December 28 at Patchogue Theatre, tickets are on sale starting at $59. Contact the Box Office at (631) 286-1133, or visit their website: Https://TheGateway.org.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of Grant Me a Higher Love, Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships, and Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic. Two of her monologues from her full-length plays are featured in Smith and Kraus’s The Best Men’s Stage Monologues of 2022 and The Best Women’s Stage Monologues of 2022. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.