"A Christmas Carol" at Cygnet Theatre

Tom Stephenson (left) and David McBean in "A Christmas Carol."                        Photo by Ken Jacques

        The message of forsaking greed and taking care of the less fortunate couldn’t be any more resonant than in is this season of GOP tax “reform.” Yet Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is relevant every year. That said, Cygnet Theatre’s annual A Christmas Carol production, adapted by directed by Sean Murray with a tender score by Billy Thompson, is one of the joys of the yuletide.
        There’s one cast change this year: Katie Sapper (replacing Maggie Carney) joins the familiar ensemble of Charles Evans, Jr., Melissa Fernandes, Melinda Gilb, David McBean (memorable as both Marley’s Ghost and the Ghost of Christmas Present), Patrick McBride and Tom Stephenson (as a wonderful Scrooge). Other than this, changes from previous incarnations are subtle ones that only repeat viewers will identify. No matter. This production is one to savor with family, friends and strangers who are brought together in the glow of the holidays. (Note: the actors entertain with jokes and carols onstage pre-show.) (Review originally published in San Diego CityBeat on 12/20/17.)