HOLIDAY STAGE REVIEWS : ‘Carol’: A New Spin on the Classic

“A Carol of Christmas,” a musical at the Richard Basehart Playhouse, opens with a convincingly executed scene from “A Christmas Carol.” That’s just the tease, however. The 19th-Century costumes come off to reveal modern factory workers rehearsing their company production of the Dickens classic.

The employees lose their enthusiasm for the show when word comes that Abner, the hateful owner, may close the plant. Will an encounter with a mystical little boy soften his heart and let in the Christmas spirit?

Written by Joel Rogosin, this contemporary, recessionary, dysfunctional family spin on the classic is a bit bumpy, but its unabashed sentiment fits the season, and the frequently tuneful score by composer Roy Rogosin and lyricist Bruce Belland keeps things humming along.

One particularly lovely ballad, “Brave Little Dreamer,” is guaranteed to inspire sniffles. Among the adult cast, Christopher Coddington, Lisa Soland and Edmund Eng are standouts. The children playing key roles--Chad Burns, Toran Caudell and Jenille Daly--perform with aplomb.

* “A Carol of Christmas,” Richard Basehart Playhouse, 21028-B Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 2 p.m. Ends Dec. 27. $7.50-$12. (818) 704-1845. Running time: 2 hours.