reviewvancouver,United Players of Vancouver-The Cricket on the Hearth

Charles Dickens wrote five "Christmas Books." The famous Christmas Carol was the first. The Cricket on the Hearth was the third in the series and at the time - the most popular.

Since the release of the book on December 20, 1845 there have been several adaptations. Among them a short silent film by D.W. Griffith in 1909 and a 25-minute NBC radio play, that aired on December 24, 1945.

80 years after that radio air date United Players of Vancouver transports us to Victorian England with an adaptation by Naomi Wright (with Director Sarah Rodgers) and impressive period costume by Mara Gottler.

Cast members of
The Cricket on the Hearth
foto: Nancy Caldwell

An original music score by Christopher King lends song and well choreographed dance to a lively production. Actors also bring out story elements by reciting passages of Dickens' exposition to the audience and then reverting to character to perform the next line or action.

The play opens as Mary "Dot" Peerybingle played by accomplished actor Emma Houghton places a kettle on the fire and waits for it to boil. The sound it makes is accompanied by a cricket's chirp played by violinist December Goodkey and the two sounds have a duet together in a brilliantly rendered opening piece. As an aside, a cricket in one's house has long been considered good luck. The cricket's song from the Peerybingle hearth is heard throughout the play, as Dickens' themes of family, love and friendship; forgiveness, honesty, and redemption - come to the fore.

Charlie Deagon plays John Peerybingle, Mary's older husband who is a "carrier" or bonded delivery man. John and Mary have an infant child who is looked after by nursemaid Tilly Slowboy, comically played by Cassie Unger who also plays one of Mary's old schoolmates.

Vincent Keats seamlessly narrates much of the action as well as becoming the dog of the house, Boxer, and adding much levity. He also plays the gentile mother of Mary's schoolmate in an onstage costume transformation.

Gordon Law plays the Perrybingle's friend Caleb who is a poor toymaker. Pippa Cochrane plays Bertha his blind daughter. A visually disabled actor could not be found for the part so a consultant was brought in to coach Cochrane. She creates a convincing portrayal. Kass Lesgard as Caleb's ill-natured boss Tackleton is the play's antagonist. He does a delightful turn as a Scroogesque character. Toby Verchere as the mysterious Old Gent is very good as well.

Sheila White's set design and props are simple yet effective - there is a brilliantly conceived ride into town in the Peerybingle horse cart.

The Cricket on the Hearth is an uplifting and entertaining production. Its not surprising that most of the remaining shows are sold out.