There is a more Christmassy author than Charles Dickens? And a more Christmassy genre than musical? The answer is probably not. The declination of the timeless classic 'A Christmas Carol' in musical show he also met with luck at Altarpiece Terni than last night for the stop in the city it was packed. In the audience there were many families with their children who for a couple of hours were totally enraptured by singing, dancing, joy, lights, colors and smiles. A magic that has been able to perfectly embody the most authentic values of Christmas and which, generation after generation, manages to transmit its message intact. Complete with a final snowfall on the stage.
'A Christmas Carol', the king of Christmas musicals at the Pala Terni
Presented as part of the season of Umbria Forum'A Christmas Carol' delivered on all its promises. Adapted for musical theater by Melina Pellicano, con original music composed by Stefano Lori and Marco Casellethere was an amazing cast of on stage 20 interpreters con 150 elaborate costumes, spectacular special effects and splendid sets designed by Alessandro Marrazzo.
In the protagonist role, the grumpy and miserly one Ebenezer Scroogethere was Fabrizio Rizzolo, leading a company that was able to win over the public at every stage of the tour. 'A Christmas Carol', an original and entirely Made in Italy work, produced by DPM Produzioni Srls and distributed by Equipe Eventi di Fanzia Verlicchi, has in fact been the musical that has broken all records for years. Set the seasons of uninterrupted success, with over 130 thousand spectators, 129 replies of which more than 100 always sold out and be standing ovation.
The story of the miser Scrooge who rediscovers his humanity
'A Christmas Carol', as it is known, tells the story of an old man who is now entirely devoted to money. Even though there are people around him who feel an albeit resigned affection for him, Scrooge is so solid in his unshakable beliefs that he has now become unapproachable. Over time, his gruff criticisms find their worst outlet when everyone tries to be nicer: at Christmaswhich he himself defined as “mass idiocy”.
But as often happens, those beliefs have become his cage for Scrooge, condemning him to miserable solitude in the company only of his money. All in all, it would also be fine: but there is still hope. Because on the magical Christmas night, the grumpy businessman will live an experience so traumatic that it will lead him to a radical change.
In fact, he receives a visit from the ghost of his deceased partner Jacob Marley, initially mistaken for the effect of indigestion. Marley tells him that three spirits they will come to him. The spirit of Christmases past shows him the mistakes he has made, the spirit of Christmas present shows him the happiness that Christmas gives and, finally, the spirit of Christmases future opens his eyes to the gloomy fate that awaits him.
A story of conversion and salvation in all the glittering variations of the musical
The strength of the Dickensian classic seems to have found in this musical version an expressive capacity that is very congenial to it. It was as if through songs and dances this story had been able to fully unfold all its true power.
The parable of the old Scrooge, the incarnation of the then nascent and already ruthless capitalism, who after a night in the company of ghosts, awakens for the first time happy and grateful to life, is still an example that can speak to everyone. His joy at still having the possibility to change things concretely soon comes contagious. The celebration of what he once called “nonsense” becomes for him the opportunity for redemption thanks to which he will fully experience the beauty of the highest spirit of Christmas, made of solidarity, generosity and affection, cheerful as he had never been. The final embrace with the only grandson, Fred, while it snows on stage was the highlight of the performance, greeted by thunders of applause.
The discounts: a successful operation
Also contributing to the success of 'A Christmas Carol' at the Pala Terni was Umbria Forum's choice to apply a special discount. Under 14s and over 65s were able to purchase half-price tickets, valid in all sectors. A winning move which had achieved excellent results at the box office and which was confirmed by the turnout for the evening.
