A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol
Alliance Theatre
through December24, 2021

Some folks these days may think of all the Yuletide activities and just want to regard each of them as pure humbug. But be assured this is not the Christmas Carol you have seen before. Award winning David H. Bell, crafted this script based on Dickens’ beloved story. The usual office set and the old sitting room at Scrooge’s manor are not as usually seen, and the story line has been camped up a bit.

The set, designed by Todd Rosenthal is absolutely incredible. It is rotated on the new stage so that one huge set equals 4 sets as it turns from office to manor, to street, etc. And it is eye capturing as if you were on Broadway. There is a cast of 20 players who come on in 30+ roles. Andrew Benator is Scrooge who has to deal with the ghosts of the past and present, although he isn’t in his PJs when Marley comes to call.

Mr. Fezziwig is played by Neal Ghant, and Bob Cratchit is played by Christopher L. Morgan. The story does move forward as Scrooge finally turns from being the penny pinching miser to a generous and caring human being. Yes, there are impolite responses from the old geezer to those poor street people, and those who owe him money. Dickens knew of work houses and debtor’s prisons in London in olden days, and he may even have based Scrooge on one he heard of.

Directed by Leora Morris, with loads of good costumes, caroling and dancing, it is a delight for the eyes, ears and what may left of our brains. But as The Bard would opine, the play’s the thing; and the story here hasn’t changed except for some of the details of how it may have come to fruition. This is one you really want to experience at the Alliance. They have pretty strict Covid protocols, so make sure you have a CDC card, photo ID, and masks are required in any part of the building. You will love the show, and not want to wait for some Figgy Pudding and to get ready for Boxing Day. More info and tickets at AllianceTheatre.org