Theatres Around the Country Explain!
BROADWAY WORLD – By the time December hits (and oftentimes well before), it’s impossible to browse theatre listings without running across half a dozen productions of Charles Dickens‘ A Christmas Carol. But what makes it so long lasting? The story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Tiny Tim, and the spirit(s) of Christmas seems to be told with nonstop verve.
We reached out to companies across the US and more to find out just what makes A Christmas Carol the anthem for the holiday season. See what everyone had to say below!
Ford’s Theatre, Washington, DC
November 15 through December 30
Get tickets here!
Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC has a 37-year history producing A Christmas Carol. Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault says “In Charles Dickens‘ 175-year-old story, audiences find the ever-resonant themes of giving back and living with grace. My hope each time we present the play is that young audiences and adults alike will be motivated by the lessons of love, charity and compassion found in the story and extend those principles throughout the holiday season and into the New Year. Each time I look with fresh eyes on the play and find that the story still works its magic in new and exciting ways. A Christmas Carol is the perfect holiday celebration for the entire family.”
Within Ford’s producing tradition comes the commitment to charity. For the past 10 years, the company calls for donations for a local charity. This year they will support The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project.
The James Library & Center for the Arts, Norwell, MA
December 10
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J.T. Turner is bringing a special twist to A Christmas Carol this year with his one-man show portrayal of the story. Even if you miss him at the James Library, Turner will be appearing in an astonishing 35 presentations of the show between December 1st and 23rd!
Turner says, “It is, in my opinion, one of the greatest stories of redemption ever. I was inspired to perform A Christmas Carol as Charles Dickens himself use to perform readings from A Christmas Carol for family and friends, and later included an excerpt from it on his tours. I do a more theatrical version, having memorized the piece, and perform it alone playing 4 ghosts, 12 men, 6 women, and 8 children!
“For the past 9 years, I have also had the great honor, of performing at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly Massachusetts, as Mr. Fezziwig, and one of the charitable gentleman in the story. I also understudy both Scrooge & Marley. That production is fantastic, it has a large cast, of 26 actors and singers, a Full Orchestra, pyrotechnics, and ghosts that fly above the audience! My solo show is just me and my voice creating multiple characters. And yet I think the power of A Christmas Carol is that you can enjoy both productions. Whether it’s big and splashy and spectacular, or simple and intimate, this wonderful work by Dickens can still warm your heart.”
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Florida Rep, Fort Myers, FL
November 30 through December 19
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Associate Artistic Director of Florida Rep Jason Parrish says, “Florida Rep has never produced any version of Dickens’ classic, and as we were putting the 21st season together, we wanted to find a new and inventive way to showcase this timeless and beloved story. We chose to work with Mark Shanahan on his new adaptation of the original Dickens. The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is a funny, heartwarming, and incredibly inventive retelling of the this holiday favorite. It is a love-letter to Victorian-era theatrical magic, the bonds siblings share, the power of love, family, and redemption. Mark’s version of the story puts 14 professional actors – many of whom are members of our near-permanent ensemble – onstage with ten young actors from across Southwest Florida and our education programs. Also, we are excited to debut a newly written and arranged score that will be played live every night by two members of the cast on violin and piano. It really is a holiday event, and we know theatregoers of all ages will love its heartfelt message.”
By Julie Musbach
