Bah, Humbug! As I take my seat, carolers sing beautiful Victorian Christmas songs, helping me to let go of the stress of a busy day to settle in to the comfortable theatre. A Christmas Carol, originally a novella by Charles Dickens, revives my spirit as it offers an important reminder of the power of kindness and compassion toward all of humanity. I was surprised by my emotional reaction to the play, expressing tears of both sadness and joy, as the talented actors drew me into the familiar story.
Patrons are transported to London in the year 1843 where we meet Ebenezer Scrooge on a cold and bleak night. His overworked, underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit, is working hard as he shivers by the light of a single candle. Scrooge snubs a Christmas dinner invitation from his nephew, Fred, and refuses to donate to the poor. Quickly we realize that Scrooge is a greedy, lonely, and cold-hearted man.
In a single night, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner as well as the three ghosts of Christmas. As he visits scenes from Christmas past, present, and future with the transfiguring work of the ghosts, he comes to understand how his past has influenced him and that deeds are paid forward. A changed man, Scrooge realizes he can no longer participate in cruelties and injustices as he opens his heart.
Dicken’s message comes through loud and clear, that we need to, more than ever, awaken “fellow passengers to the grave” because every one of us is valuable and life is to be cherished and celebrated. We cannot allow a girl named Want and a boy named Ignorance to threaten us with despair and obliteration, as Dickens implores. His message is an important reminder that above all else, it is cooperation, kindness, and love that will allow us to move forward together in unity.
“Christmas is a time to find joy in the traditions and lessons of the past,” says Cheryl Marshall, Meadow Brook Theater (MBT) managing director. “This production, like a treasured heirloom, brings families together year after year with the timeless teachings of gratitude and togetherness.”
The heartwarming tradition of attending A Christmas Carol is enjoyed by many as the cast brings the story to life. Ebenezer Scrooge is played by Thomas D. Mahard who has been in the production for 32 years. Besides Scrooge, he has taken the stage as Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit and others; and has been teaching theater and acting at Oakland University since 1993.
“This is our largest cast of the season,” explains Travis Walter, MBT’s artistic director. “While delivering a powerful show to audiences throughout the holiday season, the cast and crew becomes a family itself. Professional actors work side by side with local children and the playful energy and friendships forged create a real family atmosphere on and offstage.”
Scenic design is by Peter W. Hicks who provides guests with lovely 19th century era scenes including cobbled streets and parlors filled with festivities. The costumes by Mary Pettinato are beautifully made, created with rich fabrics and fine attention to detail. This season’s production has original choreography by Jan Puffer, lighting by Reid G. Johnson, and sound design by Michael Duncan.
This adaptation of the play was written and originally staged by Charles Nolte. Meadow Brook Theatre associate director, Terry W. Carpenter, directs the production again this year. “Let us hope that in the end we, like Scrooge, can remember the joys as well as the pains but unlike Scrooge won’t need the visits of the three haunting spirits to remind us.” states Carpenter in his director’s notes.
Cheryl Marshall says “We’ve been sharing our production of A Christmas Carol with the community for over 36 years and it has never been more popular. Every year we seen familiar faces alongside new generations take to their seats and share in the Christmas magic of Dicken’s timeless tale brought to life onstage.”