‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Jefferson Mays. Photo: A Christmas Carol Live.

CHARLES DICKENS’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Written by Michael Arden, Susan Lyons, Jefferson Mays
Production conceived by Michael Arden & Dane Laffrey
Directed by Michael Arden
Through January 1, 2023
Nederlander Theatre
208 West 41st Street
(212-239-6200), www.AChristmasCarolLive.com

By David NouNou

Jefferson Mays dons many hats in this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. He not only took part in writing this play, but is also the narrator, actor and definitely the star of this piece.

As narrator, Mr. Mays gives us the insight and history of Ebenezer Scrooge. As actor he portrays: Scrooge, Marley, his partner in business, Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cratchit and all the Cratchit children.

When attending this production, a viewer will not experience the usual miser turned altruist but will experience a standout bravura performance by Jefferson Mays. Mr. Mays is indefatigable. Anyone familiar with Mr. Mays’ body of work will recall his brilliant one-man Tony Award-winning performance in I Am My Own Wife. He consistently delivers unforgettable performances.

To make this performance stand out as an event is Michael Arden’s fine-tuned direction because every expression and movement has to count. To heighten the drama, the proceedings are further abetted by Dane Laffrey’s constant sets in motion and Ben Stanton’s eerie lighting.

This is not the typical movie or TV extravaganza of Dickens’ classic holiday tale, but a showcase for Mr. Mays’ infinite talents.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published December 2, 2022
Reviewed at December 1, 2022  press performance.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Jefferson Mays. Photo: A Christmas Carol Live.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Jefferson Mays. Photo: A Christmas Carol Live.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Jefferson Mays. Photo: A Christmas Carol Live.

The post ‘A Christmas Carol’: Jefferson Mays shines appeared first on StageZine.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Jack Thorne
Directed by Matthew Warchus
Through January 5, 2020
Lyceum Theatre
149 West 45th Street
(212-239-6200), www.AChristmasCarolBroadway.com

By David NouNou

Stripped of the treacle and mawkishness usually associated with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Jack Thorne has adapted and reshaped this tale into what would now be termed an “alternate universe.” Although being a purist at heart, one who normally prefers traditional presentations, I was nonetheless fascinated and enchanted by how this story maintains most of the central characters, with slight tweaks and character modifications. Mr. Thorne’s adaptation has slightly changed the dynamics and perception of an oft-told tale, with all the fat trimmed off.

Thanks in large part to Matthew Warchus’ seamless and fast-paced direction; one doesn’t dwell on the traditional version because Jack Thorne and Mr. Warchus allow the viewer to see Dickens’ classic from a different lens. Ebenezer Scrooge (Campbell Scott) is still a miserly crotchety skinflint but due to Mr. Scott’s youthful appearance, Ebenezer now has some sex appeal. Here, Mr. Thorne inserts Ebenezer’s cruel and drunken father (Chris Hoch), to show how Ebenezer took the wrong fork in the road to become what he is today.

Scrooge here does have psychological problems and doesn’t really see the error of his ways. Scrooge is still visited by the ghost of Marley (Chris Hoch), his late lending partner. Marley warns him about the ghosts that will come to visit him after midnight, and he better change his miserly ways. The Ghost of Christmas Past (Andrea Martin), Ghost of Christmas Present, replete with a Caribbean accent (La Chanze) and Ghost of Christmas Future (Rachel Prather) all make appearances. Ms. Prather doubles as well his late sister Fan in a dual role. His change here isn’t so much out of moral obligation as it is expeditious.

The two standout performances are, of course, Andrea Martin, a delight as usual, and La Chanze is imposing; the Caribbean accent is a bonus in all-too-brief moments. What is lacking is a dynamic Scrooge. It is interesting to note here that Mr. Scott’s father was the late George C. Scott, a formidable actor who gave a brilliant TV rendition of Scrooge. Campbell Scott, although a fine actor, lacks the forcefulness that his father brought to the role.

All in all, if you are looking for a slightly reimagined A Christmas Carol, along with Christmas carols, including “Joy to the World”, Silent Night, and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” and a surprising immersive, interactive Christmas experience, I highly recommend this version. Coming out of the show, one feels the Christmas season has officially begun.

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published November 24, 2019
Reviewed at November 23, 2019 press performance.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’ (left to right) Andrea Martin, LaChanze, Campbell Scott (center) & Rachel Prather. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott & Dashiell Eaves. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Andrea Martin. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott & LaChanze. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Sarah Hunt & Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Chris Hoch & Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Campbell Scott. Photo: Joan Marcus.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: The cast. Photo: Joan Marcus

The post ‘A Christmas Carol’: Dickensian with a twist appeared first on StageZine.