The classic tale about finding the true reason for the season, “A Christmas Carol,” has returned to the Clarence Brown Theatre this holiday season.
Based on the book by Charles Dickens, this version was adapted for the stage by Edward Morgan and Joseph Hanreddy. Clarence Brown’s rendition of “A Christmas Carol” this year was an absolute spectacle. The stage was a wonder to look at with beautiful sets, lighting and effects. The snowy landscape, street lamps hanging from the ceiling and the projection of London itself transported the audience into Scrooge’s world. The entire stage was accented by a large clock which showed the passage in time forwards and backwards. Even as the clock’s hands broke towards the end of the show, it still added a wonderful backdrop to the performance.
The production was led by Clarence Brown Theatre veteran Terry Weber as Scrooge. Weber was well cast as the cold-hearted miser, giving a chilling performance in the beginning of the show and a heartwarming one towards the end. His performance made Scrooge very sympathetic, making the audience see his side of the story and wish for him to turn his life around.
Weber was highlighted by graduate in theatre Collin Andrews as Bob Cratchit and lecturer in theatre Brian Gligor as Fred. The two were a delight to watch on stage, stealing every scene that they were in. Andrews gave a heartfelt performance as Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s underpaid clerk. He was endlessly likable, making the audience fall in love with him and his family.
Gligor gave an equally cheerful performance as Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. The joyful performances of these two contrasted that of Weber’s in a way that made the audience realize how truly despicable Scrooge was, as it would be impossible for a person with any heart to treat them so poorly.
While these three leads were the standout performances, the entire cast was fantastic. From the delightful Cratchit family to all three ghosts of Christmas, each actor was truly wonderful.
With music by John Tanner, the production is described as a “play with music” instead of a musical. The play has classic Christmas carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “Joy to the World” interspersed within its scenes which add to the merry feeling of Christmastime and contrast Scrooge’s feelings towards the holiday.
The production also has some wonderful dance sequences choreographed by associate professor in theatre Casey Sams. While one might not expect singing and dancing in a production of “A Christmas Carol,” they were a welcome addition to the performance.
The entire experience came to a head during curtain call. After the actors took their bows, everyone in the room began singing “Joy to the World” as bubbles resembling snow rained from the ceiling. It was a moment that could bring a smile to the face of the angriest of people.
It is clear to see why Clarence Brown Theatre performs “A Christmas Carol” every year. The sheer amount of joy that I felt while watching Scrooge learn the true meaning of Christmas speaks for itself.
I had a huge smile on my face upon leaving the theatre and enough Christmas spirit to last me the rest of the season. If you are looking for something to get you into the Christmas spirit, look no further.
“A Christmas Carol” is playing at the Clarence Brown Theatre until Dec. 22.
