“Farndale’s Christmas Carol” Delivers Raucous, Well-timed Comedy

Five members of the Actors Theater of Orcas Island produce a rollicking, raucous "Christmas Carol"

A review by Krista Bouchey

What happens when The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society decides to put on a production of “A Christmas Carol?”  A wickedly funny version of this classic, full of well-timed mistakes and ridiculous props.

The play, which opened at the Grange last Friday night, is a story of a women’s guild putting on the play “A Christmas Carol.” These society women deliver an extremely amusing version that includes a faulty PA system and an unprofessional crew looking at “Victoria’s Secret” catalogs instead of operating the lighting.

This parody includes singing, dancing, and audience participation.  It keeps the laughter rolling throughout the two-act play. The Actors Theater of Orcas Island will continue performances of the play through this weekend and the next.

Four women and one man divide up the characters from the Dickens’ classic, while playing characters from the guild.

Leslie Liddle, who plays Mercedes, portrays Bob Cratchit, Belle, and a boy.  She provides plenty of comic relief as her character has recently been in a shopping cart accident and has difficulty getting on and off stage.  She stays in character as she switches between roles and is truly entertaining throughout the play.

Suzanne Gropper and Annette Mazarella’s characters compete for the limelight as they deliver their well-timed lines and keep the audience laughing.

Tony Lee, as the only male actor, perfectly characterizes the male role with sarcasm, reluctance, and an excellent version of Mrs. Cratchit.

One of Luanne Pamatian’s role is half of the Ghost of Christmas Past.  She teeters on stage and continues the wacky amusement of these townswomen as they try to put on a play.

“The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of A Christmas Carol” continues at The Grange with performances on December 3–4, 9–10, and 16–18.  Showtime is 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, December 4.  Tickets are available from Darvills Bookstore, online at www.orcasactors.com, or at the door.