Holiday magic, with ghosts: 'A Christmas Carol: The Musical' enchants the Henegar

Prepare to take a musical journey through time as the Henegar Center kicks off its holiday programming with the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol." The musical opens Friday, Nov. 17 for a run through Dec. 10.

Adaptations of the Charles Dickens classic have been a holiday tradition for decades, but this time there's a fresh and, well, "spirited" take. Imagine the well-known characters - the curmudgeonly Scrooge, the jovial Cratchit family and the ethereal spirits - all wrapped in a harmonious score that will make your heart sing.

The story of Scrooge's transformation is timeless, but what sets "A Christmas Carol: The Musical" apart is its ability to maintain the essence of the story while adding a layer of musical entertainment.

The writing team of John Popa and Steve Parsons bring fresh life to this timeless tale. Popa's lyrics are witty, and Parsons' Broadway-style score is melodic and emotionally charged. The songs weave seamlessly with the narrative, drawing you deeper into the story.

"The classic story is relatively dark," said Dominic Del Brocco, Henegar Center executive and artistic director. "[But] the musical elements make it more family friendly, accessible, and palatable to a broader audience."

"The score has more of a lighter Disney-like quality to it," he said.

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A mix of 30 newcomers and familiar faces make up the cast. The heart of the show, "Ebenezer Scrooge," is played by Terrence Girard. You'll be rooting for his transformation from miser to a man filled with the spirit of Christmas.

The Cratchits, including Milton Stafford as "Bob Cratchit," Katie Parsons as "Mrs. Cratchit" and Cooper Combs as "Tiny Tim" add the warmth of home to the production. The secondary story of a loving, resilient family facing adversity is a reminder of the importance of compassion and togetherness during the holiday season.

The supporting cast features scene-stealing performances from Henegar newcomers Sasha Faye as "The Ghost of Christmas Past," Ayden Eller as "The Ghost of Christmas Present" and Chris Barnum as "The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come" as well as the spirit of "Jacob Marley." These ethereal characters take you on a journey that adds elements of magic to the story.

The Henegar's behind-the-scenes creative team has interpreted 19th Century London with a few magical twists of their own.

"While this is our second time doing this production, we have worked to find new ways to enhance, redesign a few elements, and add more theatrical and magical effects," Del Brocco said. "The surprise of the entire set rotating from one scene to the next will delight audiences."

"Our rotating set mirrors the turning hands of the clock and the passing of time," he said.

"A Christmas Carol: The Musical" is a celebration of the season, a reminder of the importance of kindness, and a reflection on the power of redemption. These themes are as timely today as they were when Dickens first wrote the story in 1843.

"The show’s underlying message of man’s inhumanity to man is a solid reminder of the human condition," Del Brocco said. "Following one individual who is reminded of their past and how it could affect their future."

"There are many adult and serious themes throughout, but presented in a way that makes it available to every age."

With "A Christmas Carol: The Musical," the traditional story is given a fresh, musical spin that combines Ebenezer Scrooge's story of redemption with a heartwarming score, and a night at the theater that will fill your heart with holiday spirit.

If you go

'A Christmas Carol: The Musical'

Where: The Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 10. There will be additional Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 9.

Tickets: Start at $37

Info: 321-723-8698

On the web: henegarcenter.com

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Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Holiday classic 'A Christmas Carol' brings magic to the Henegar