The cast (all photos by Joan Marcus)
Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843. It was almost immediately adapted for the stage with eight productions playing in London within a year. The first film of the story appeared in 1901 and was followed with many more versions and takeoffs on film, television and radio. It is a staple of community and regional theatres every December. Costa Mesa’s South Coast Repertory has been presenting their version for over 40 years. In 2017 London’s Old Vic Theatre produced a new adaptation by Jack Thorne which was conceived and directed by Matthew Warchus. A production played Broadway in December 2019 and recently won five Tony Awards for its design elements.
Chris Hoch and Bradley Whitford
The current production at the Ahmanson Theatre is directed by Thomas Caruso and features the stunning and award-worthy sets and costumes by Rob Howell, lighting by Hugh Vanstone, sound by Simon Baker and original score by Christopher Nightingale. It is a feast for the eyes and ears as it offers up this well-known and oft told tale of greed and redemption. The two-act show runs about two hours. The ensemble provides the narration in Story Theatre style as well as displaying lovely voices on well know holiday tunes and performing a few awe-inspiring bell carols.
Bradley Whitford and Kate Burton
Bradley Whitford as the curmudgeonly money lender Ebenezer Scrooge is never off the stage and he commands it easily. He runs the gamut of emotions from hatred of all things Christmas to fear at the apparitions that guide him through his life. From past to present to perhaps even his future if he does not amend his ways. His eventual rediscovery of the joy of living and communing with his fellow humans is a giddy delight.
Alex Newell
Chris Hoch is formidably scary as Scrooge’s seven-years dead partner, Jacob Marley, who comes to caution Scrooge to change his ways or suffer the same fate. Kate Burton as the Ghost of Christmas Past is appropriately disappointed in Scrooge’s many past foul-ups, especially with his family, loved ones and friends. Audience favorite Alex Newell seems to be having a ball playing the joyful and mischievous Ghost of Christmas Present.
Tiny Tim and Scrooge have a Happy Ending
The show ends with the rejuvenated Scrooge sending the ensemble out into the theatre to gather fruits, vegetables, meats and a humongous turkey. Their utter joy is infectious, and it snows, indoors, on the audience. You could not ask for a more festive start to December and the Holiday Season, especially after so many months of quarantining in place due to Covid 19.
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