Scrooge’s Nephew Spins a Familiar ‘Christmas Carol’

In its infinite guises, “A Christmas Carol” has become an obligatory part of December. A 1981 musical version, now at the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, indeed feels like an obligation. Despite its notable creators--composer Michel Legrand, book and lyric writer Sheldon Harnick--this “Carol” collapses from the weight of images and sentiments heard as if for the millionth time.

If you were forced at gunpoint to musicalize this Dickens tale, you might invent a number where the village people sing of Scrooge, “He’s not the man/for a friendly chat/Or a friendly cup of tea. . . .” And they do.

Under the direction of Irv Kimber, this version is narrated by Scrooge’s amiable nephew Fred (a likable Randy Hills), who needlessly tells us that there are two facts we need to know--Marley is dead and Scrooge is impossible--both facts amply imparted by the text.

Later, when the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come points a long, bony finger to Scrooge’s tombstone, Ebenezer’s name actually comes up in lights, in front of which a reborn Scrooge (William McCauley) dances a jig and sings about second chances. At such moments, this “Christmas Carol” looks more like a parody than a show imagined in earnest.

Also on view are bad fake hair and some of the corniest, face-front-and-dance choreography this side of the straw-hat circuit. Poor Belle (the strong-voiced Victoria Strong) wears a wig that makes her look like Ted Koppel with a perm.

One song, “One Family,” though a bit treacly, is pretty and well song by the ensemble.

* “A Christmas Carol,” Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. Ends Sunday. $20-$55. (310) 372-4477. Running time: 2 hours, 15 minutes.