Curtain Call 

With the visions of grades dancing in our heads, and stressful family gatherings maybe you should take a little time to clear your head and take in a play that will have you in the Christmas mood in no time. The Hippodrome's 20th annual production of "A Christmas Carol" was nothing short of entertaining. This age-old tale, written by Charles Dickens, takes us on a journey into the heart of a man who believes that "Ba Humbug" is the answer to everything under sun. 

Set in merry ole England in the 19th century, the Hipp's rendition of "A Christmas Carol" has many qualities that will appeal to everyone, young and old alike. 

This adaptation, written by the Hippodrome's own Mary Hausch, was true to form but adds a twist to the narration. Hausch scripts Jacob Marley, played by the impeccable Gregory Jones, as the narrator. 

The play opens with an interesting light show and alluring Christmas music with the ghastly figure of Marley dancing around the stage. 

Shackled in chains, Jones, a veteran of the stage and Santa Fe Community College's theater arts professor for the last 10 years, leads the audience into a funny yet heartfelt tale into the background of the life of Ebenezer Scrooge. 

Scrooge, played by long-time Hippodrome resident Rusty Salling, was very convincing as the old, cantankerous and stingy man. 

Salling, in his eighth year as Scrooge, speaks with a great English accent and does a wonderful job as Scrooge. 

He takes the character to a different level. Salling was comedic, a serious actor and portrayed a deeper version of the rusty old character. 

Scrooge's partner in business and opposite in life is Bob Cratchit, played by Mark Sexton. 

Sexton has been with the Hippodrome for the last 20 years and is its general manager when the curtain falls. 

Sexton's performance as Marley is emotional and gripping in this light-hearted tale. An all-around great performer. 

Sara Morsey and Nell Page Sexton play the ghosts of Christmas past and Christmas present, respectively. 

Both actors do a wonderful job as Scrooges' guide into the life he has forgotten and the life he chooses not to oblige. 

It is hard to talk about everybody that is in this Christmas classic but they all deserve the best of accolades. The children in the play were what impressed me the most about this rendition. They all acted with professionalism and charm. 

From the background Christmas carolers to the actor Tiny Tim these "children" were the delight of the play. 

The lighting, stage props and costumes were very good for a production such as this. Robert Robins, Marilyn Wall-Asse and Carlos Francisco Asse all contributed to a flawless background and set the tone for the play. 

Lighting and effects bombard the audience right from the start and are relentless throughout the play. Or as one person said, "visual candy." 

The costumes were all of great quality and very authentic to the belt buckle. 

Show times for "A Christmas Carol" are Tues. - Thur., 7p.m.; Fri, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Student prices are $10 and can be bought either in advance or at the door. But don't be left out in the cold. Call ahead for availability. 

Just when you think the play is over and you're thinking of grandpa's famous kick-in-the-pants egg nog, the whole company takes the stage and leads the audience in a festive round of Jingle Bells. 

If the play did not get you in the mood for Christmas, the sing-a-long will surely do the trick. 

So take a couple of hours from studying, grab that special rosy-cheeked someone and take in the last Hippodrome production of the year. 

You won't be disappointed. 

(12/4/97) 
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