Oscar E Moore

If you are dreaming of a white Christmas but fear the cold blustery wind or hate to shovel snow, head on over to the Lyceum Theatre where “The Olde Vic production” of a very new A CHRISTMAS CAROL (In prose.  Being a ghost story of Christmas) adapted by Jack Thorne and directed by Matthew Warchus will warm the cockles of your heart, bring back your inner child and spread cheer and good will to all – enacted by an exceptional ensemble with a perfectly lovely snow shower to boot!

Not being overly optimistic about seeing this production I was immediately engaged in the proceedings.  From the moment one enters the beautiful and appropriately old fashioned Lyceum Theatre – a perfect fit as it turns out to house this dickens of a production – one is beguiled by the multitude of lanterns hanging from above and surrounding the space in a golden glow as some actors/musicians in period costume start to play some lovely tunes; fiddling away on stage while others distribute lots of aromatic clementines and small packets of chocolate chip cookies – for free! – mingling and chatting with the audience members.

In the true spirit of giving that puts a smile on everyone’s face and prepares them for the NICHOLAS NICKLEBY type story-theater telling of the tale of the miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge in this old chestnut of a novella that first arrived in 1843.

A very festive and congenial atmosphere has been created (set & costume design Rob Howell – expert lighting Hugh Vanstone and excellent sound design Simon Baker) and it pays off in this cornucopia of treats for the holiday season.

You cannot help but be pleased by the transformation of Scrooge (a fine Campbell Scott) from a bitter man who hates “those singing creatures” – a man who treats his employee Bob Cratchit (Dashiell  Eaves) quite badly – a man whose father (Chris Hoch) bullied him – a man whose future dreams and love for Belle (a stalwart Sarah Hunt)

were squashed when the lust of making money overtook all other desires – by hooking up with his departed business partner Marley (Chris Hoch redux) who arrives in a nightmare to warn Ebenezer that he is about to be haunted by the Ghost of Christmas Past (Andrea Martin) the Ghost of Christmas Present (LaChanze) and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Rachel Prather) – to help him change his ways and to open his eyes as to what a miserable creature he has become.

In this dark and dreary tale there is much uplifting music and dancing.  Christopher Nightingale has done an excellent job as composer, orchestrator and arranger of the soundscape.

A bountiful feast is created to celebrate Scrooge’s redemption that must be seen to be appreciated.  In which all of the audience unexpectedly participates.  It is quite joyous.  Especially the arrival of the brussel sprouts.

That and the ringing of the bells.  The singing of Christmas Carols.  And of course the presence of Tiny Tim – here portrayed alternately by two actors that each have cerebral palsy.  To see the happiness on the young Sebastian Ortiz’s face as he speaks his famous last lines made everything very worthwhile.

One last item.  There is a glorious magical snowfall – not confetti – a new type of snow that is moist and white and disappears quickly – no clean-up necessary.

Please make an effort to take the kids, the grandkids and perhaps your parents to this delightful theatrical experience with a meaningful message that we all need to hear once again.  To open our eyes and become kind and caring to what is truly important in our lives.  Oh, ring those bells!

There is a terrific video on the show’s website.  www.achristmascarolbroadway.com

Watch it and then go purchase some joy!  Rekindle the spirit of the season!

2 hours 15 minutes – one intermission LIMITED RUN THRU Jan 5th

Photos:  Joan Marcus

Visit www.TalkEntertainmment.com

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