bear88 said: "There are only two shows I've seen five times or more. One is a local production of A Christmas Carol at Notre Dame de Namur in Belmont, California (south of San Francisco) - where I live. Except for the first year, it was the Menken/Ahrens version. Aside from anopening night gala, it was a free show. All anyone was asked to bring were gifts that were donated to local charities. I probably saw it a dozen times. It didn't hurt that I always had friends or their children in the show. But even without that, it was a wonderful production with performers who often tried out different roles as the years passed. It was a wonderful community event, and I grew very familiar and fond ofmany longtime performers.When the college droppedit after the 2015 performances, a local theater tried it out last year, and while it was nice to hear some of the music, the show fell flat without the enthusiasm of the Notre Dame cast."
Bear, we've shared our mutual love and appreciation for ND's ACC on this forum a few times. I truly miss it. Yes, Hillbarn made a good effort last year, but it had its shortcomings. Still, I was hoping they'd make it an annual tradition but I suppose not. I've seen many fine productions at Hillbarn, and I'm always amazed with the blocking of large ensemble pieces on this sort of oddly shaped stage, such as Fezziwig's party.
I listen to the Madison Square Garden recording continually through the year, in part because I love the source material and it's lessons and morales. Still very relevant today! And I really like the origin story added by Ahrens/Menken.
Have you heard of any Bay Area companies producing it this year?
