AUBURN — Community Little Theatre hits all the right notes in their current production of “A Christmas Carol – The Musical.”

It’s a big, bold holiday delight with remarkable sights and sounds that overflow the stage. The show has a multi-generational cast of 70 and every actor, young and old, makes a competent contribution. Furthermore, there’s an extraordinary set, some quality special effects and dozens of colorful costumes.
Shawn Robitaille, a CLT favorite in several recent leading roles, gives an outstanding performance as  Ebenezer Scrooge. Under some remarkable old-man make-up, Robitaille skillfully transforms the miserable miser with a heart as hard as coal into a marshmallow-hearted believer in Christmas spirit.
Benjamin Proctor, who is a veteran of performances at various mid-coast theaters, delivers an unforgettable portrayal of the ghost of Jacob Marley. Towering over a terrified Scrooge, he warns of the consequences of greed in the song, “Link By Link.” This is a show-stopping number thanks to lighting and other effects, as well as the assistance of other dancing ghouls.
Tony Morin plays the role of Bob Cratchit. He acted in numerous shows in the Worcester, Mass., area before coming back to Maine several years ago. Other Morin family members in this show are his twin sons, Jacob and Zachary, sixth-graders, who play pickpockets, and his wife, Charlotte, who is in the ensemble.
Nine-year-old Mai Luu delivers a very pleasing performance as Tiny Tim. Her clear and true voice promises fine things in coming years. Her 14-year-old sister, Katie Luu, plays Martha Cratchit. Other members of the Cratchit family are CarlaRose Dubois as Mrs. Cratchit and her three-year-old daughter, Pieta, as Rose Cratchit. Her husband, Marcel, is in the ensemble. Thirteen-year-old Noah Keneborus plays Bob Cratchit, Jr.
CLT veteran Jason Pelletier plays Scrooge’s nephew, Fred Anderson, as well as young Scrooge. His six-year-old daughter, Karma, appears as Elizabeth Anderson.
Dan Crawford and Stefanie Lynn return in the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig. They lead a joyful dance in “Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball.” This number is just one of the show’s scenes that benefit from the excellent work of co-choreographers Danielle Eaton and Audrey Martin. A special crowd-pleaser is a number featuring a dozen or so dancers in red skirts like Radio City Music Hall Rockettes doing high kicks with a rejuvenated Scrooge.
Thomas has pulled together a remarkable feat in the production of “A Christmas Carol – The Musical.” There’s great attention to every detail. The use of several moveable and revolving modules assures smooth transitions between scenes, and the quality of the set design is highlighted when groups of actors frequently come together in tableau fashion. For the number of people often crowding the stage, there is never a sense of confusion. Occasionally, the action moves off the stage and goes up and down the theater aisles.
The visual success of this show is matched by the fine ensemble and solo musical numbers.
“Lights of Long Ago” is a lovely melody sung by Maddy Leslie, an eighth-grader at St. Dominic Academy, as the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Dan Kane, as the jolly Ghost of Christmas Present, debuted at CLT this past summer in “Spamalot.” He is featured in “Abundance and Charity.”
The Ghost of Christmas Future, played by Paula Kaiser, leads a number of other characters in “Dancing on Your Grave.” Kaiser is an award-winning singer/songwriter in her CLT debut.
“A Place Called Home” is the best known of the show’s songs by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. It is beautifully sung by Young Scrooge, (Jason Pelletier,) Emily (Leslie Gail Reed, who has been in several CLT shows) and Scrooge (Shawn Robitaille).
Gabrielle Vallée is music director and Paul G. Caron leads a 14-piece orchestra. The instruments and vocals are well-balanced throughout the show.
A large costume team led by Tanya Estabrook deserves special recognition, along with dozens of others on backstage crews.
Remaining performances are at Great Falls Performing Arts Center, 30 Academy St., Auburn, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-14; and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15.
For tickets call 783-0958 or go online to www.laclt.com.
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