A mostly veteran cast is back for Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol, complementing first-time Ebenezer Scrooge Michael Cerveris in the 31st edition of the holiday tradition.
(Matt Polk)
Two-time Tony-winner Cerveris headlines a holiday tradition that includes the towering presence of Tim Hartman, entering his 24th year in the live show – the 2018 edition was broadcast on WQED, during the pandemic – as Mr. Fezziwig, the Ghost of Christmas Present and other roles, with Terry Wickline back as Mrs. Fezziwig and other roles for her 21st year. Daniel Krell has played numerous roles in A Musical Christmas Carol, starting in 1994, and has been rattling Jacob Marley’s chains throughout most of this century.
Familiar faces of a decade or more include Lisa Ann Goldsmith (Mrs. Crachit) and Justin Fortunado (Fred). Other veteran performers include Erika Strasburg, Lara Hayhurst, Allan Snyder and Alex Manalo. Emmett Kent returns as Tiny Tim for the third year, while Jerreme Rodriguez is a relative newcomer as Bob Cratchit, having replaced Jeff Howell, who retired from the role in 2019, after 25 years.
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Related story: A chat with CLO’s new Scrooge, Michael Cerveris.
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The cast of A Musical Christmas Carol, announced November 18, includes other first-timers besides stage and screen star Cerveris. Newbies include John Paul Berry (Town Crier, Young Scrooge, Ghost Christmas Yet to Come), Anthony Marino (Peter Crachit).
Filling out the cast are more names that will be familiar to Pittsburgh theatergoers and others who are just becoming a part of this holiday tradition:
Susana Cordon (Martha Cratchit, Young Scrooge’s schoolmate), Joseph Robert Fedore (caroler, choirmaster), Kat Harkins (Ghost of Christmas Past), J. Alex Noble (various), Benjamin Kent Pimental (Dick Wilkins), Saige Smith (Belle), Melessie Clark (swing), Kiara Lee (swing) and Billy Mason (swing) and Jason Shavers (swing).
CLO Academy students in the show include Molly Frontz (Belinda Cratchit), Milo Taylor-Martin (Daniel Cratchit), Henry Thomas (Wyatt Cratchit) and Savannah Miles (Melinda Cratchit).
A Musical Christmas Carol is at the Byham Theater December 9-23. Shows run 2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission. Doors open 75 minutes before showtime, with preshow carolers and photo ops in the lobby. For tickets,call 412-456-6666 or visit https://pittsburghclo.culturaldistrict.org/production/82254/.
Categories: Arts and Ideas
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