Search - Carl Davis - A Christmas Carol / Jeremy Kerridge, William Walker, Lorena Vidal, Royce Neagle, Steven Wheeler, John Pryce-Jones, Northern Ballet Theatre on DVD

A delightful bargain

George B. Laurent | florida | 07/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So much enjoyment for so little cost! Carl Davis has composed very attractive music for the ballet which has woven in it Christmas music and what appears to be traditional ballads of the times. The ballads depict the unfortunate conditions of the poor. All this adds greatly to the impact of the ballet (There are even optional subtitles for the singing which are really not needed because the diction is so good). The choreography, staging, filming and performance are excellent!"

DIckens' Classic gets beautiful dance treatment

Hazen B Markoe | St. Paul, MN United States | 12/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There have been many versions of Dickens' classic story of holiday redemption, "A Christmas Carol," but there are none quite as unique or as beautiful as this ballet version performed by the Northern Ballet Theatre. With dynamic music composed by Carl Davis, this wonderful dance piece recounts the already familiar tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his reconnection to the world through the haunting visitations of various Christmas ghosts. From its opening chant of "Marley is dead" to the heart warming finale where Scrooge sees a final farewell from his spiritual rescuers, this event is a treat for the eye and ear. The sets are impressive, yet functional with even the set changes done in a balletic style. The costumes also are impressive. One such example is the Ghost of Chistmas Yet to Come who becomes a truly terrifying image with its skull face peering out of a black hood complete with huge dark angelic wings and scythe. The ensemble dance group do a beautiful job in interpreting Davis' music, as well as Dickens' powerful tale. Needless to say, this is an excellent production and well worth your time."

The Story Of Scrooge Expressed In Dance.

J. M WILINSKY | teaneck, NJ United States | 11/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are many great classical stories and fairy tales that are aching to be choreographed and this one need wait no longer. Just in time for the holidays we have this ballet version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". It sticks to the well known story with no unusual surprises. It features beautiful costumes, sets, and music with plenty of interesting dancing of a modern ballet flavor. If you want to see a brand new story ballet about Christmas (of course, the story is actually about epiphany and redemption and not about religion) give this a try!"

The Most Spectacular Version of "A Christmas Carol"!

William M. Vaughan | Texas, U.S.A. | 01/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This version combines ballet dancing, stage and video effects, costuming, acting (pantomiming) and singing, to produce a spectacular Christmas movie.


Unfortunately, I didn't recognize any of the carols in it. However, my room-mate recognized "The Boar's Head Carol," which I since discovered has been popular in Great Britain since the sixteenth century. During this song, dancers carry around a charger with a large boar's head on it.

Besides the unusual songs (to my uneducated ear), another thing that struck me as unique about this version of "A Christmas Carol," is that it's the only one I can think of which included simulated sex scenes by "prostitutes" in the pawn shop scene introduced by the Gost of Christmas Yet-to-Come! Not to worry! This scene isn't too graphic for minors, although I would suggest parental guidance.

Everything about this production is spectacular! For me, the only thing missing is dialogue, which you can interject, if you're familiar with the novel, anyway.

This version compares favorably to the version starring Kesley Grammar and Jennifer Love Hewitt - the main difference being that Kelsey's version includes speaking parts. I regard this version as the most spectacular I've ever scene!


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