Civic Theatre is back in person with its annual holiday holiday production of "A Christmas Carol" for its 30th anniversary through Dec. 18 at the Allentown theater.
This years production, after taking a year off in 2020 because of the pandemic, has a slightly subdued feel although the holiday spirit is ever present.
While the urchins sing just as enthusiastically as ever, there seem to be fewer children running across the stage. The show begins, as always, setting the stage as families parade across the stage on their busy holiday errands and carolers sing with fervor.
Bill Joachim is debuting as Ebenezer Scrooge and his Scrooge is a bit more mild-mannered than previous incarnations. Joachims Scrooge is angry but not bombastic. His Scrooge is an introverted Scrooge, as opposed to the extroverted variation. But when he transforms after the visits with the spirits, Joachims Scrooge wholly embraces his kinder, gentler side.
Jesse Lichtenwalder is long-suffering as Bob Cratchit, Scrooges abused clerk who also is a devoted family man.
John Bracalis ghost of Jacob Marley is suitably creepy covered with chains although the echo effect on his voice is a little off-putting.
Ainsley Quay is impish as the ghost of Christmas past; while Kevin Browning embodies conviviality as the ghost of Christmas present. Anthony Sanchez is appropriately ominous as the ghost of Christmas yet to come.
However, Civics "A Christmas Carol" is most about the ensemble as various Victorian-clad actors take the stage for set pieces like nephew Freds holiday gathering; the Fezziwigs Christmas blow out and the Cratchits spare but loving celebration.
Young actors effectively portray Scrooge at various ages, as well as his beloved sister Fan and his one-time fiance Belle. Also charming are the young actors portraying the Fezziwig children and the Cratchit children.
An always funny scene is the selling of Scrooges personal effects with fun performances by Bracali as Old Joe and JoAnn Wilchek Basist as Mrs. Dilber and Beth Linzer as Mrs. Colby.
Always touching is the final tableau with the entire cast on stage singing "Angels We Have Heard on High" amid candlelight and falling snow.
Todd Croslis turns in a brief but effective turn as the storyteller who begins the story and returns at the end with a special surprise.
The set by Joshua DeRuosi fills the stage and feels authentic without being overly fussy.
Will Morris period costumes are all very effective in evoking a Victorian feel.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17; 2 p.m. Dec. 12, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18 at the 19th Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St, Allentown.
Prove of vaccination is required and masks must be worn in the theater.
Tickets are $34 for adults; $32 for students and seniors and $13 for age 13 and younger.
Free parking is available along Liberty and Allen Streets near 19th Street, and at the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot at 19th and Liberty after business hours.
For information, go to www.civictheatre.com, or call 610-433-8903.