Cabaret Singer
Village Players
Theatre
Pictured: from left to right, John Roeder, Chuck Sisson Photo courtesy of DavidTurnerPhoto.com Village Players Theatre Oak Park’s Center for Performing Arts Presents: Ebenezer by Bruce A. Petsche and Jim Cronin, December 9- 23, 2007 review by Ed Vincent Ebenezer written 45 years ago, not as old as Dickens himself, but still aways back. The team of Bruce A. Petsche and Jim Cronin were innovative 45 years ago and their wonderful creation coming back from the slumber of time, returning with a minimalist, yet artistically recreated set and using the newly renovated Village Player's stage is a grand Phoenix. We have seen many versions, different actors, and variations of the Dicken's classic and this musical is one of the very best. It is not only a musical, but a funny and provocative- where else would one find young attractive girls doing a number reminiscent of the Moulin Rouge in the context of a Christmas Carol? There is nice music set to some wonderful lyrics, from the late Jim Cronin, and presented with an outstanding cast. The set design is a great work of construction and lit with scene changes that is a fine piece of art in itself. The characters ascending and descending the stairs has a similar feel to flight lines and positions of other well known presentations through the drama. It is very creative and works exceeding well with the size and dimensions of the stage. John Roeder as Ebenezer Scrooge is a wicked little SOB and is such with charm and style. The costumes are nice, the sound spectacular, and the whole family will love warmth and glamour of a redeemed spirit in a time of hope. There are some good voices and acting that makes this a big hit and one that we truly hope will find its way to the stage each and every year. Thanks for bringing it back for all of us to see again--and doing such a great job of it as well. Bruce A. Petsche, the man who created the music for Ebenezer © Suburban Journals of Chicago photo When Bruce A. Petsche was thirty years old (now 75) he loved music and still does, but he took over his dad's metal shop and made his life working in a factory. Art was always in his heart and soul and thankfully it came out when he went to work on this fantastic thrill of live drama, with a fun twist here and there. Happy Holidays..... Village Players Theatre Oak Park’s Center for Performing Arts Presents: Ebenezer by Bruce A. Petsche and Jim Cronin, December 9- 23, 2007 Oak Park, IL- Back by popular demand the Village Players Theatre will revive their original musical Ebenezer. Penned by founding members Bruce A. Petsche and Jim Cronin, it is the musical version of Charles Dickens' classic. For years this show was an Oak Park holiday tradition and Village Players Theatre hopes to rekindle that status once again. "It has been an amazing year with our renovation and this show helps us come full circle paying our respects to the founders who created this theatre and the community who supports it," says Artistic Director Carl Occhipinti. Directed by Bruce A. Petsche and Phil Nardulli, Musical Director Alison Henderson, Musical Coordinator Mercita DeMuynke and featuring John Roeder as Ebenezer, Malik D. Hughes as Tiny Tim. Also featuring Alison Barnes, Anna K. Kurtz, Bekira Rabinowitz, Antoinette Rabinowitz, Joshua Edwards, Katie Becker, Burke Fry, Jimmy Sandoval, Kelly Sandoval, Chuck Sisson, Serena Sacco, Jacqueline Petzel, Tessa Newman, Alexandria Frisch, Maryann Carlson, James Leonard, Kirsten Leyndyke, Ava Raddatz, Allyssa O'Donnell, Sarah Sapperstein, Jamie Sandoval, Dan Suarez, Jake Levin, Aiden VanNest, Nia Coke, Naomi Coke, Kevan Casson, Adi McKenzie, Erin Noell Watt, Craig Zeller, and J.T. Sandoval. The Show runs December 9-23, with performances on Friday and Saturdays at 8p.m and Sundays at 3 p.m with a special Wednesday matinée on December 12 at 1 p.m. Tickets for December 9th's opening afternoon celebration are $30 for adults and include wine & hors d'oeuvre s post-performance reception. Regular run tickets are $25 and $20 for seniors and students. To order call 866-764-1010 or visit www.villageplayers.org. Presented in the main stage space of the newly renovated Village Players Theatre located at 1010 W. Madison. Plenty of parking is available on the street. The theatre is handicap accessible; please call ahead to arrange for special seating. Village Players Theatre, Oak Park’s Center for Performing Arts offers an eclectic mix of entertainment that empowers and inspires while exploring the human condition. |
Village Players Theater
1010 West Madison
Oak Park, Illinois