Friday, June 1, 2012

"A Christmas Carol" Receives Critical Acclaim From Cappies


"Phenomenal", "intense", "entertaining", "exciting", and "vivid" were only a few words used by Cappies to describe DC’s latest musical production, A Christmas Carol
The cast and crew wowed their audiences during all four performances and “gave everyone a warm and fuzzy feeling at the end, but still managed to scare the “Dickens” out of us all” (Tre Fountain of Interboro High School).
As most of us already know, A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, who undergoes the transformation from an old miser who despises Christmas, to a generous old man after he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. 
The role of Scrooge was portrayed by senior Jordan Anstatt, who was praised not only for his vocal prowess, but for his believable acting as well. Beth Burton of Archmere Academy wrote in her review, “Jordan Anstatt’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge was anything but bah humbug! His hobble and sarcastic mumbling provided his character with appropriate cynicism, and while singing, he strongly articulated each word, and resonated throughout the whole auditorium.”
The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (respectively, senior Alex Morra, junior Becca Hughes, and freshman Tasha Berol) were highly praised among the cappies as well, with Amy Giacomucci of Interboro High School stating, “The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future were the most mellifluous trio of spirits one could find anywhere. Every note any of the three of them let out was nothing less than enchanting, and their vocals alone elevated the show to new heights.”
Aside from the lead roles, the rest of the cast also received much deserved recognition for their well choreographed performances and their vocal abilities. Jency Boyce of Academy of the New Church commented on the overall cast by saying, “The energy and powerful, enchanting voices of both lead and minor characters carried the show through. 
The different ensembles blended well in both their voices and choreography”. A crowd and cappie favorite among the dance numbers of A Christmas Carol was “Link By Link”, which mesmerized (and even scared) those watching with the unified, eerie choreography, and the haunting performance of junior Robin Kong as Jacob Marley. 
The number “Link By Link” stood out as a true test of ensemble unity and energy, and the cast of A Christmas Carol did not disappoint…Robin Kong’s performance as Jacob Marley in “Link By Link” deserves recognition for its electricity and volume from beginning to end” (Julia Fay of Episcopal Academy). 
Other cast members who were recognized for their individual parts in the play were sophomore Alex Payne (Bob Cratchit), freshman Micah Skinner (Young Jacob Marley), sophomore Robert DiBartolomeo (Young Ebenezer Scrooge), sophomore Rachel Anstatt (Emily), senior Maggie Gruehn (Mrs. Mops), freshman Nate Taylor (Mr. Fezziwig), junior Mycah Halstead (Mrs. Fezziwig), senior Shannon McCarren (Fan), and 6th grader Cole Serfass (Tiny Tim).
The actors were not the only ones to receive recognition from the Cappies, the tech crew, stage crew, red-team, and the set construction were praised for all their hard work too.
All of these people were highly praised by James Costalas of Episcopal Academy who said, “The many technical aspects of the show truly enhanced it. In fact, the tech took the production to the next level. The sets were detailed and very witty, especially the houses. 
The lighting designed by Rachel Bernard and Barrett Simmons were perfectly executed and went very well to achieve different things varying on the scene and circumstance. Also, the make-up was well done, especially on Scrooge. 
The make-up transformed a high school student into an angry, old man.” The set construction received further regard by many other cappies, with Matt Stirparo, Sarah Haines, and Anna Chovanes being credited by cappies Michele Herzog, Toni Radcliffe, and Mike Eichert of Episcopal Academy.
Overall, every aspect of A Christmas Carol was awarded with the recognition that each deserved for the fantastic production. 
Probably the highest compliment to the play (and in fact to DC itself) came from Phil Dupont of Interboro High School who congratulated DC by saying, “Overall, a fabulous performance by all involved. You all certainly showed the public why Delaware County Christian is here to stay in the theatre community for years to come.”
Cappie Award Nominees:
  • Marketing & Publicity - Ian Botes, Daniel Gorbey
  • Sets - Ian Botes, Anna Chovanes, Sarah Haines, Matthew Stirparo
  • Make-Up - Amy Eichling, Kelsey Greist, Haley Newman
  • Featured Actress, Musical - Rachel Anstatt
  • Male Vocalist - Jordan Anstatt
  • Lead Actress, Musical - Becca Hughes
Cappie Award Winners:
  • Female Vocalist - Alex Morra
  • Spirit Award - Britney See

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