‘A Christmas Carol’ musical coming to the Hilo stage this holiday season

Hawaiʻi Island’s oldest theater company, the Hilo Community Players, has put together a talented ensemble to present a classic Christmas tale bursting with musical performances.

Beginning tonight, they will perform the heartwarming and beloved production of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical,” at Hilo’s A.O.F. Building. It’s the first of 11 shows scheduled over the next three weekends.

The robust and colorful adaptation of the 1843 Charles Dickens novella features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens. The Hilo production features stage direction by Rachel Klein, musical direction by Rachel Edwards and choreography by Salome Douglas.

“I know it has been several years since the Community Players has put on ‘A Christmas Carol’ and I believe this is the first time the musical has been done at all,” Klein said. “It is a really fun and colorful way to tell the story that most people have heard or seen one way or another.”

Ricky Alvarez will be playing Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted businessman that is led by greed and contempt for others. That is until he is confronted with Christmases of his past, present and future.

“I dislike the character of Scrooge, his anger is just so far-removed from who I am, but he’s also very fun to play,” Alvarez said. “Itʻs fun to be mean in a campy, ridiculous kind of way.”

The role also is “physically and emotionally taxing to be scowling on stage for so long.”

After seeing the potential suffering he will face in death with a visit from his former business partner, Jacob Marley, played by Theon Weber, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, played by Zoe Douglas, Miranda Taylor and Barbara Johnson, respectively.

In order to change and become a better person, Scrooge must confront the painful and joyful memories of the past, come to terms with the reality of his present and realize how his actions impact the future of people around him.

Alvarez has been able to show a wide-range of personality as Scrooge goes from cold and unlikeable to warm and joyful in one night, even if the concept feels unrealistic. 

“I have to suspend disbelief and so does the audience, because we want to live in a world where people can change for the better,” Alvarez said. “Of course, we don’t typically have ghosts visiting us and doing a bunch of legwork for us like Scrooge.

“People love the idea of comeuppance, especially for those who have made their fortunes at the expense of others. Unlike many real-world villains, Scrooge gets his comeuppance and is able to turn things around.”

The story is accompanied by memorable songs performed by a talented cast of all ages, live musicians that move the production along, emotive choreography full of artisty, and dynamic lighting and set pieces. 

Most of the cast plays multiple characters that are quick-changing between scenes or moving props and set pieces on and off stage.

“This is the most ensemble-heavy musical I know of, meaning that almost every scene is bursting with many different characters all interjecting at different times,” Alvarez said. “Most of our cast has no downtime at all. I auditioned with the intention of getting a light role, but didnʻt realize that, for this musical, there are none.”

When choosing this production for the Hilo Community Players, Klein wanted to dive into the musical as it brings a different feeling and perspective to the classic story written more than 180 years ago.

“There is a lot going on at almost every moment with this production and every performer has put so much time and effort into making it a fun, immersive experience,” Klein said. 

Alvarez added: “Those who are familiar with A Christmas Carol, but haven’t seen its musical version yet have a chance to experience a more intense form of the story, in my opinion.”

 “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” will be showing at the A.O.F. Building in downtown Hilo Dec. 6-22. Showtimes will be at 7:30 p.m. every Friday and 2:30 p.m. every Sunday. There will be one show at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 and two shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21. 

The A.O.F. Building requires ascending one flight of stairs. Patrons needing accommodations are encouraged to contact the Hilo Community Players at least five days prior to the performance date by calling 442-268-0891.

Tickets and more information is available on the Hilo Community Players website at hiloplayers.org.