A Christmas Carol: The Musical

I have read, and I am surprised by the content and tone of a lot of commentary on the Christmas Carol Musical.

I'd like to express my opinion within the tone taught by the work of Charles Dickens. To do otherwise is just a lot of noise (bible says clanging cymbals).

I enjoyed the TV program very much. I had seen the Madison Square garden production 5 times, excepting 2001 after 9/11. I think Dickens' decision to call his sentimental romance a 'carol' makes it quite fittingly a musical. I do love the 1951 Sim version, and I watch all the others each year; I think they all have a lot to offer in painting the texture of yearly reclamation and redemption for all of us.

Complainers are correct to ask why redo this story over and over in the same way. The Musical adapts the theme and tone of Dickens' novel for today's sentiment; I hope a new crop of actors will do the same in another 20 years for best serving that generation.

As I am reading Dickens novel currently, I am aware that each of the presentations (1930's, 1950's, the various musicals) take liberties with the text of the novel. The adaptations don't bother me as I appreciate the meaning of the words "based on". In the case of the current musical i think the composers and actors have built a touching presentation which, by Dickens' standard, should depict the emptiness of greed and the fullness of caring, even in poverty. The scene near the end in the cemetery is particularly moving, when all of the children enter holding candles and are then joined by Scrooge's mother and sister. The energy of those anticipating Christmas, the energy of the dancing at Fezziwig's, and the simplicity of eager yet simpler anticipation by Crachit's family seems to me a bit more real in our time that earlier filmed versions. (I still enjoy the other versions, however).

I was sad to hear the Madison Square Garden production was to end after Christmas season, 2003, but I am happy to know I can still see this warm, enjoyable production each year to drown out the typical holiday noise and refocus on family, togetherness, and good will.

Perhaps those who only respond with harsh criticism need to reread Dicken's novel and see where his lesson has fallen on deaf ears.

just my 2 shillings :) Ric

There have been so many productions of Dickens' classic that it is hard to be different and good. This one surprisingly was both. Most striking was the seemingly very authentic settings--sets, decorations, costumes, characters all seem to take us back to Dickens' London. The music was quite good overall, some songs not as strong but most were hummable and the lyric captured the story and mood. Choreography though anachronistic at times had some very good moments. The women soldiers in the theater seemed a take-off on the Rockettes. The leads performed well, especially a strong K. G. in acting and (yes) SINGING (surprise). Those who hated this will find flaws to pick at, but perhaps we expect too much from an overworked Seasonal classic. It was entertaining and worth the viewing!

Well, from everyones reaction, I expected to HATE this movie, but I was pleasantly surprised! I really think people expected too much. This is a TV movie, not a Broadway musical! For a TV movie, it does it's job VERY well. As a Theatre lover, I really enjoyed everyone in the cast. Jesse L. Martin was wonderful, as was Kelsey Grammar. It was Jennifer Love Hewitt who REALLY surprised me though. What a lovely voice!! She really is a terrific actress. She's only in two scenes, and she steals both of them. Her song "A Place Called Home" with the Young Ebeneezer is a genuinely touching moment. Most of the score is VERY hummable, and i've always enjoyed Meknens music. I really don't get all the hatred this movie has gotten. Sure it has it's problems, but we can't always expect perfection, especially from a made-for-TV movie. I will Definitely buy the DVD when it comes out!!

I read some of the comments regarding this version of A Christmas Carol and someone wrote about the bad "English accents." I found it ironic because four members of the ensemble are British musicals stars in their own right. They are Linzi Hateley, Claire Moore, Ruthie Henshall and Dave Willets. While Kelsy Grammar is great as a performer I wasn't sure about his take on Scrooge. His moodiness was like that of Frasier Crane. He was upstaged by all of the Christmas ghosts particularly Jesse L Martin. Jane Krakowski sexiness as the Ghost of Christmas past seems a little out of place. On the whole it is a good production and well sung. I did like this version and wouldn't mind watching it again even if the non English actor's have bad "English accents."

I want to start out by admitting I really don't like musicals. I usually find them silly, boring and they give me a headache. Thankfully none of these happened any of the times I watched NBC's enchanting musical starring Kelsey Grammar as Scrooge. What a delight! The songs were very good, the production values superb and the true spirit of Dickens' novel came through! I was particularly impressed with Grammar's Scrooge and Jesse L. Martin as the Ghost of Christmas Present. I really only watched this because I adore Jennifer Love Hewitt, I'd watch her in hour-long commercial for fruit! But I really thought this was just great. Every time I watch I like it better!