Reviewed by Judy Richter
No matter how familiar Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" has become, American Conservatory Theater's production is worth seeing if only for James
Carpenter's portrayal of Ebenezer
Scrooge. Carpenter's Scrooge is a marvel to watch as the miserly, solitary, old
curmudgeon is gradually transformed into a loving, giving man who captures the
true meaning of Christmas.
The transformation
is aided by a series of ghosts, starting with Jacob Marley (Jack Willis), Scrooge's deceased partner, who warns him that if
he doesn't change his ways, he will be condemned to wander through eternity
shackled in the chains he forged in life. Marley tells him to expect three more
ghosts, starting with the Ghost of Christmas Past (David Jacobs), who arrives on a trapeze. That ghost takes Scrooge
into scenes from his younger days, starting with his boyhood and continuing
into his young adult years as an apprentice to jolly Mr. Fezziwig (Jarion
Monroe), who hosts a lively holiday
party with Mrs. Fezziwig (Sharon Lockwood). Here we meet Belle (Emily Kitchens), Scrooge's girlfriend, who later renounces their
engagement when he becomes more interested in money making than merry making at
Christmas.
The Ghost of
Christmas Present (BW Gonzalez,
who can be too shrill) shows him scenes at the home of his good-natured nephew,
Fred (Philip Mills), and his
clerk, Bob Cratchit (Gregory Wallace),
who celebrates a meager but happy holiday with his wife (René Augesen) and children. Finally the Ghost of Christmas Future,
an apparition rather than anything human-like, shows him his own unmourned
death as well as the lamented death of Bob's young son, Tiny Tim (Calum John). Each successive scene from past to present to
future makes Scrooge more nostalgic for the man he was and more determined to
become that good man once again.
ACT's production
of the 1843 short story is a 2005 adaptation by artistic director Carey
Perloff and Paul Walsh. Domenique Lozano directs the large cast, which includes not only
veteran and core ACT company actors but also 21 children ages 8 to 19 from its
Young Conservatory and the entire MFA Program class of 2010. The music is by Karl
Lundeberg, with musical direction by Laura
Burton. Choreography is by Val
Caniparoli, with scenery by John
Arnone, colorful costumes by Beaver
Bauer, lighting by Nancy Schertler
and sound by Jake Rodriguez.
ACT's "A
Christmas Carol" has become a much-loved holiday tradition that appeals to
all ages in the Bay Area. The audience at the Friday night performance I saw
included many youngsters, some of whom presumably were seeing their first
professional theatrical performance. What a great way to introduce them to the
joys of a timeless story beautifully delivered, especially by Carpenter.
For More Information
Return to Home Page