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Disclaimer:
The reviewers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheatreLouisville.org. |
Reviews A Christmas Carol Reviewed by Keith Waits Entire contents are copyright © 2009 Keith Waits. All rights reserved. There is a reason that this beloved classic is a staple of the holidays. While so many seasonal favorites can seem superficial and shallow, there are only a few Christmas stories that have real meat on the bones and this is the great-granddaddy of them all. It has been reinterpreted innumerable times, and its influence can be felt in so many other iconic tales, such as It's A Wonderful Life. Of course, it helps that the author of the original is Charles Dickens, one of the most important writers in English literature. His creation explores the deep wells of regret and heartbreak that can harden the human heart, and the power of redemption that can result from a tortuous, introspective journey into one's soul. One can argue that the Christmas setting is merely a convenient framework for such a powerful tale. It has been years since I last saw the annual ATL production of this play, so I entered the Pamela Brown auditorium with perhaps less expectations than more faithful audience members. The well-worn structure following the visitation to Ebenezer Scrooge of three ghosts, representing in turn, Christmas Past, Present and Future, is firmly in place, so it must be in the details, the textures of setting and place, and the rhythms of individual performances that we seek a Christmas Carol that stands apart from all others. So let's begin with the magnificent set by Paul Owen, a rotating piece that houses alternating interior scenes, surrounded by an evocative London cityscape that includes a wonderful arching bridge that frames all of the action onstage. Falling snow, trap doors, atmospheric lighting (by Deb Sullivan) and sound design (by Matt Callahan), all combine to provide an expansive stage upon which to render Mr. Dickens's oft-told yarn. Lorraine Venberg rounded out the exemplary design work with rich and colorful costumes. A skilled cast fills in the spaces with dancing, singing, ample pathos and humor, especially humor. William McNulty's Scrooge is at his best when he is mining the laughs in this production, and he leads many of the actors in making this a very funny Carol. Drew Fracher as Bob Cratchit and John Gregorio as Mr. Fezziwig were his equal, while Nathan Keepers as Topper was such an irrepressible comic presence that he nearly, but not quite, threw the show out of balance with his scene-stealing work. David Ryan Smith was a bold and dynamic Ghost of Christmas Present and Monica West was a marvelous Ghost of Christmas Past, expressing delight in her mission with spontaneous giggles and wide-eyed wonder at the power she possessed over Scrooge. If the familiarity of the plot seems to limit the suspense and surprise of this theatre experience, it is amply compensated by the professionalism and good cheer contained in this production. If Mr. McNulty can deliver some of his best work in his umpteenth performance in this classic (I remember him playing Charles Dickens in a version from more than 20 years ago) then it is certainly worth another visit this season.
Actors Theatre of Louisville
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