New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


?>

 

REVIEW: "Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol" at Mile Square Theatre


By Adam F. Cohen

originally published: 12/04/2022


Holiday theater offerings intended for families offer the awakening of future long-term theater lovers.  An early holiday present awaits families at Hoboken’s Mile Square Theatre in an exquisitely realized, vibrant production of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol. 

Charles Dickens classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge rendered through the lens of his long dead partner, Jacob Marley (Sevrin Anne Mason).  In Tom Mula’s version, we learn much about Marley.  We also discover how and why he arranges for those three spirits to manifest. More than Scrooge’s (Jezabel Montero) tale of redemption though, in this re-imagining, Marley must also answer for his own actions on earth, by teaching a lesson to the business partner left behind. 

Much of the pleasure in Mula’s play comes from the careful layering of Marley’s backstory on-top the well-worn tale of Scrooge. In a reverential nod to the source material, Mula uses beautifully evocative descriptive language. A quartet of resourceful actors flawlessly play multiple characters, painting vivid descriptions of the action with vividly excellent characterizations. 

Sevrin Anne Mason is simply superb in her portrayal of Jacob Marley. With a brash, indelible impressive physicality, vast vocal and facial expressions resonate through the intimate, warm space of the theater.  Running the entire spectrum of emotions, Mason’s performance is deeply felt and a gift for audiences of all ages. From sorrow and regret as she encounters her own past, to the brotherhood felt with Scrooge, her intelligent performance is profound. 

Dominic Russo shines as Marley’s after-life guide.  The actor matches Mason’s energy, with ample impishness, fun, sarcasm, and purpose to his character’s portrayal.  Montero hones the greed and anger that fuels Scrooge, and the ultimate redemption is heartfelt. She also is also an energetic, physical, and vibrant performer. 




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



Rounding out the cast, Caturah Brown offers ample skills in several roles. From the Record Keeper who challenges Marley, to many of the familiar characters that inhabit Dickens’ original story, Brown finds the unique distinct quality in each. 

With minimal props, director Jenn Haltman allows these gifted performers an ample playground to effortlessly enrapture us.  Graceful movement is an integral part of Haltman’s vision. Whether it was Scrooge’s flight high above London, or Marley’s journey through the afterlife, all are executed with gentle distinction and precision.  

Jennifer Fok’s gorgeous, understated lighting design shines. Tim McMath’s clever set creates the impression of a city with picture frames, windows, a grandfather clock. 

This top-notch production absolutely engages audiences as young as nine who appreciate well-honed language, witty direction, and craftily intelligent performances.  Mile Square’s production of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol is full of inventive performances and twists.  This is a wonderful potential first theater gift for audiences.  At once explosive, adamant, and touching. The acting, humor, and magical spirit of mercy that is the embodiment of this season (and this play), is expressed flawlessly by the gifted ensemble. 

The production runs through December 24, 2022.  Tickets and more information at https://www.milesquaretheatre.org 

PHOTOS BY John Posada




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



EVENT PREVIEWS

Music

Music Mountain Theatre presents the monster-hit musical "Young Frankenstein"

(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- From the creators of Broadway's record-breaking musical comedy sensation The Producers comes Young Frankenstein, the monster-hit musical based on the classic film comedy by Mel Brooks. Music Mountain Theatre presents the musical in a limited engagement of 11 weekend performances from June 20 through July 6, 2025.



Surflight

Surflight Theatre presents "9 to 5, The Musical"

(BEACH HAVEN, NJ) -- Surflight Theatre is beyond thrilled to be staging the forever timeless 9 to 5, The Musical from June 18 to July 6, 2025. Based on the book by Patricia Resnick and the 1980 film by Colin Higgins, Kelli Barclay directs and choreographs this staged adaptation following three iconic older women who decide to stick it to their boss once pushed to their breaking points.



Raconteur

Raconteur Radio presents Theatrical Adaptation of "The Hobbit" at Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch

(BARNEGAT,NJ) -- Feel like taking a journey through Middle Earth? Raconteur Radio presents a special theatrical presentation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.



Cape

Cape May Stage presents "Love, Loss, & What I Wore"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- Cape May Stage presents Love, Loss, & What I Wore from July 5-11, 2025. Based on Ilene Beckerman's bestselling book, this tender and witty play weaves together monologues and ensemble pieces to explore the deep connections between clothing and memory, touching on themes like mothers, prom dresses, bras, purses, and the timeless appeal of black clothing. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.



East

East Lynne Theater Company presents Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise"

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- The award-winning, Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) – now in its 45th year–will present its first show of the company's Mainstage Season, Ken Ludwig's "Dear Jack, Dear Louise," from June 19 to July 12, 2025 with a special performance to honor Veterans on June 27. The heartwarming love story features Liz Mattera, an East Lynne veteran, as Louise, and New York-based actor Xander Furman as Jack, with Mark Edward Lang (ELTC's "Possessing Harriet") directing and lush period costumes by NYC designer Travis Chinick.



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Vivid

Vivid Summer Solos: Where is Everybody?

Wednesday, July 09, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

The

The MAC players at the Middletown Arts Center present "Hairspray"

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

A

A Broadway Tour of America

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

The

The Wizard of Oz

Saturday, July 12, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre