Disaster? No, we are in luck, as “Bob” (Aral Gribble) is more than up to the task, taking on all the roles (as well as the sound effects.) With an understated glee, he connects with the audience and his supporting sound/light lady in the booth. Bob Bennett is a fully realized character who frames the other classic characters he becomes.
This is not a wacky, slapstick portrayal; this is Bob Bennett on top of his game. It’s a great choreography to integrate all the sound effects and fun to see how they are made. There is a temptation to close your eyes and experience this like a real radio show — but we don’t want to miss Aral’s face and posture as he metamorphoses into Scrooge, Marley, Bob Cratchit, the ghosts, and characters in the ghosts’ stories.
This is a short show — about 80 minutes with no intermission. It is a tribute to the classic story and a impressive acting demo of one actor successfully becoming a full cast. Kudos to director, John Lepard, who may have imparted some of the multi-character magic from his one-man It’s a Wonderful Life to Aral.
A Christmas Carol: the Radio Show runs through December 22
It was sold out — so make your reservations soon 517-655-SHOW (7469)
http://www.williamstontheatre.org