by Mike Hoban
A Christmas Carol – Directed by Debra Wise; Scenic Design by David Fichter; Costume Design by Leslie Held & Elizabeth Rocha; Lighting Design by John R. Malinowski; Sound Design by Mark Bruckner. Presented by The Nora Theatre Company and Underground Railway Theater at the Central Square Theater at 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge through December 30
Central Square Theater’s inspired production of A Christmas Carol is proof positive that, in the right hands, you really can take an iconic story, deviate a bit from conventional characterizations and staging, and still present a work that will enthrall even staunchest of traditionalists. This version of A Christmas Carol keeps its roots firmly planted in Dickens’ Victorian England, while offering a bit of inclusive multiculturalism, featuring depictions of the characters that you’re not likely to see in the old black-and-white movie versions of the holiday favorite. But Central Square seems less interested in scoring political or sociocultural points than re-imagining this classic in a way that more closely reflects today’s audiences, and the changes actually enliven the story.
This is also a production that actively interacts with the audience, from the time you walk into the theater through the final scene of Scrooge’s redemption. When the theater opens, there are wandering Victorian era musicians and a Punch and Judy show in one corner that patrons are encouraged to watch up close onstage. In contrast, the walls are adorned with modern touches like a sign reading “I (heart) London” and cartoon figures of Scrooge McDuck and Rich Uncle Pennybags from the game of Monopoly. The Ghost of Christmas Past (Julia Tara Springer), dressed in what appears to be traditional Indian garb (a sheer white tunic/pants and with an elaborate bindi worn on the center of her forehead), engages audience members in their seats and offers to apply bindis to their foreheads (which went over especially well with the groups of children at the matinee that I attended), all of which creates a festive environment. When the actual play does start, it uses the original text, much of which is delivered in narration by various cast members, many of whom play multiple roles. The casting is fairly inspired, with a mix of Boston theater veterans and some fresh new faces. Jeremiah Kissel is a highly animated and appropriately bitter Ebenezer Scrooge, and his boundless joy during Scrooge’s spiritual transformation is wildly infectious, including an adroit bit of improv when an audience member’s phone went off during the performance (“Spirit, are you calling me?”). Lisa Ramona Alexander makes for a frightening Marley’s ghost, and is clearly having a blast in the role (she also doubled as a Jamaican version of the Ghost of Christmas Present, filling in for Vincent Ernest Siders on short notice). Kortney Adams brings a genuine heartsick compassion to the role of Belle as she breaks off her engagement to Scrooge, and Underground Railway Theater artistic director Debra Wise, who also adapted the production and directed, did an admirable (and uncredited) job as Fezziwig at the performance I saw.
Bob Cratchit (a charming Brooks Reeves) and his family are actually depicted as Irish immigrants, which makes sense, as the Irish were typically viewed as second class citizens during that era (just like in the U.S. at the time). The ebullient Springer drew on her training as a trained dancer to add a balletic dimension her character; Caitlin Gjerdrum is effective as both the loving Mrs. Cratchit and as the puppeteer and musician/singer in the production; and Paris Ellsworth makes a strong Central Square Theater debut as Scrooge’s eternally sunny nephew Fred.
The production is cleverly staged, with the audience sitting on all four sides, as cast members wheel oversized doll houses on and offstage to recreate the City of London during outdoor scenes, and use simple props to convey the indoor settings. There are also a number of clever dance routines (including a hilariously unconventional dance by Reeves and Adams) at Fezziwig’s Christmas Eve celebration. This is a joyful production of A Christmas Carol, and with its theme of redemption, a perfect entertainment for the holiday season. And at two hours (with an intermission), not too long for the kiddies. For tickets and information, go to: https://www.centralsquaretheater.org/
