Dickens a go-go: A Cratchit Christmas

The message of repentance and redemption in Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic, “A Christmas Carol,” manages to survive -- just -- in “A Christmas Carol King,” Troubadour Theatre Company’s deliciously mad 1960s rock ‘n’ roll clown-show treatment at the Falcon Theatre.

What could be more heart-tugging than the Cratchits, crooning Carole King’s “So Far Away” to Tiny Tim’s hilariously pathetic little crutch sitting all alone in a teensy spotlight while Scrooge (Michael Sulprizio), trussed up in a harness, dangles overhead in his long johns?

What hitherto unsuspected depths of feeling are revealed when Mrs. Cratchit (Lisa Valenzuela) strips down to her camisole and belts out, “You make me feel like a natural woman” to husband Bob (Travis Clark)?

The towering Ghost of Christmas to Come (Rob Crites, amazing on stilts) makes a lasting impression too, his entrance heralded by a pounding ensemble rendition of “I Feel the Earth” (choreographed by Ameenah Kaplan). And then there’s the Ghost of Christmas Past who turns out to be.... Well, let’s just say that the screams of audience laughter that greet that inspired visual joke (the role is shared by Beth Kennedy and a surprise guest), are rivaled only by those engendered by Tiny Tim himself -- a wee soft puppet body topped by the head of actor Tim Groff.

Ringmaster and major perpetrator of this song-dance-and-circus mayhem is Matt Walker, who brings his considerable comic chops to the roles of Scrooge’s nephew Fred and a Vegas-y, chain-swinging Marley’s Ghost. Directing the talented ensemble in a deliberate mode of barely restrained clown anarchy, Walker leaves room for hilarious, seemingly unintentional blown lines, a critique of one actor’s disappearing English accent and other mishaps.

Less inspired moments in this otherwise rollicking romp are “ad-libs” about Enron, interest rates and local eateries and stores. These last, aimed at those familiar with Toluca Lake and Burbank haunts, have an obligatory in-joke feel.

Lighting designer Jeremy Pivnick accomplishes the multitude of blackouts, spotlights and shadows with panache; kudos, too, to the dynamite, considerably put-upon onstage band led by bassist Andre Holmes, with Win Meyerson, Henry Phillips, Eric Heinly and choral pianist David Barker.

*

‘A Christmas Carol King’

Where: Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank

When: Wednesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 4 p.m.; dark Dec. 25

Ends: Dec. 29

Price: $25-$37.50; ages 13 and younger, $15

Contact: (818) 955-8101

Running time: 85 minutes