Irish Times writers review A Christmas Carol at the Gate Theatre, Dublin and Neil Cooney (piano) at the National Concert Hall.
A Christmas Carol
Gate Theatre
DÉJÀ vu is not necessarily a diminished experience, as the Gate's revisiting of Dickens bears testimony. The immortal novel remains, of course, just that; the stage adaptation by John Mortimer is sensitive and skilled; and the production values are again superior in every detail.
There are some changes in the cast since the last outing. The major one is that of Barry McGovern in the role of Scrooge, as fine an interpretation as one could hope to see. From his first appearance, gangling and stooped under the weight of his misanthropy, he embodies the character who has become a byword for miserliness. As he emerges from the furnace through which he is shepherded by the three Ghosts - of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come - he is most movingly transformed.
Pat Kinevane plays all three of the redeeming spectres in contrasting styles. He is first a silvery-white, almost ethereal figure, then a rather earthy fellow and finally a sinister image of death. He escorts Scrooge back to the youth in which his spirit was soured by solitude and unkindness, then to an overview of his kith, kin and acquaintances, and finally to a glimpse of a bleak future. Ebenezer's conversion to the human race rings emotionally true.
The Cratchit family are delightfully portrayed by Malachy McKenna (Bob), Noelle Brown (his wife), a youngster (there are three in rotation) chirping as Tiny Tim, and a clutch of others in perfect harmony. An excellent chorus - Barbara Brennan, Stella Feehily, Joe Savino and Brian Thunder - provide narration-commentary, and Mark O'Halloran is again likeable nephew Fred. Mal Whyte, Philip Judge and numerous others fill the stage with seasonal cheer.
Directed by Alan Stanford, with Bruno Schwengl's atmospheric costumes and set, this remains an elegant and hugely entertaining version of the great Christmas novel, a treat for all ages. Its very durability proclaims its merits.
Runs to end Dec; booking at 01-8744045
Gerry Colgan
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Neil Cooney (piano)
Images, Book 1 .......................................DeBussy
Scherzo No. 3 in C sharp minor...............Chopin
Mazurkas OP 24.4, 2; OP 33.2; OP 56.1...Chopin
Ballade No. 4 in F minor......................... Chopin
Ballade No. 4, with which Neil Cooney ended Friday's recital in the NCH John Field Room, does sound as if it is telling a story, a story whose plot is obscure but carries a charge of excitement which should grip the listener. This performance was, however, rather prosaic and failed to involve the audience as much as it should. Even Chopin's Scherzo No. 3, which has so many touches of brilliant pianism, only ignited fitfully and then not at full power.
Douglas Sealy
