Carolyn Freeman, Bruce Sandford, Darlene Dee and Ryan Haystead perform at media night for A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play on Nov. 30, 2022. (Photo Courtesy Chris Brown)

By Chris Brown

Review: Christmas spirits and spirit come to life at Medicine Hat Musical Theatre

Dec 1, 2022 | 4:18 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Anyone who says ‘humbug’ after seeing Medicine Hat Musical Theatre’s staging of A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play can truly be called Scrooge and someone who lacks any Christmas spirit.

The Christmas classic is brought to life by five talented voice actors, supplemented by four singers and a foley artist live on stage.

Bruce Sandford takes Ebeneezer Scrooge from a crotchety old miser to light as a feather and happy as an angel over Christmas Eve and showcases a special talent.

Darren Rathwell also does a fine job in his role as Marley’s ghost and the ghost of Christmas present. The same can be said for Tracey Avery as the ghost of Christmas past.

Sandford and Rathwell also deserve special mention for their physical acting throughout.

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The radio play set has been upgraded since last December’s radio play but remains simple yet effective. Carolyn Freeman is closer to the stage as foley artist this time, giving her work the prominence it deserves.

The cast is rounded out by Darlene Dee and Ryan Haystead. Geoff Coley, Brenda McLaren, Colleen Whidden, and John Whidden are the Volk Family Singers.

The show runs Dec. 2-3 and 8-10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Visit mhmtheatre.com for more information and to buy tickets.

Oh and get fruitcake before the show, because you’ll be craving it after.