Same critic, second rave review

''Twas' twists amid familiar, updated tales

By MICHAEL ECK, Special to the Times Union
First published in print: Thursday, December 11, 2008

On the "A Christmas Carol" front, Schenectady Civic Players are taking a new tack and presenting Lloyd Waiwaiole's storyteller's vision of the tale, which hews closely to the book while piling on puppets, carolers singing period songs and "plenty of chains."

With the exception of regional stage vet John Noble, who plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the large cast will play multiple roles, sing, dance, play instruments and manipulate Waiwaiole's over-sized puppets to create a world where ghosts are as present as people.

As noted in the recent Times Union review, it's a magnificent production that renews the tired Scrooge story while reinvigorating the holiday spirit, too.

SCP's very recommended "Carol" runs through Sunday at the Church Street Playhouse in Schenectady.