Charles Dickens’ time honored classic story of A Christmas Carol is a popular show at this time of year. Just check your local listings and you will find it playing in several locations in New Jersey and even on Broadway this season. However, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey can lay a claim on having one of the best and most unique to see. Adapted by Neil Bartlett and directed by Brian B. Crowe, this adaptation last played on the STNJ Main Stage in 2011. At that time, it received good acclaim from audience members and critics alike. If you are looking for a classic holiday show that stirs your imagination, this is the show to see. The staging, the lighting, the sound effects, and the work of a dynamic cast make it a memorable experience to see in this holiday season.
People Love Seeing this Tale
The story of A Christmas Carol is one familiar to many. It centers around Ebeneezer Scrooge played by Ames Adamson. Mr. Adamson gives a performance that shows the selfishness and sadness inside of Scrooge in the early parts of the play. His terror at all that is shown to him about his life is evident. He then transforms into a man who dedicates himself to helping humanity after he endures the visits from all of the spirits.
You will totally dislike Scrooge when he refuses to donate money and forces his employees to work in a very cold temperature rather than adding a small piece of badly needed coal to the heater. Feel the dislike growing as he enters his house so sparsely furnished and watch his with disdain as he eats his meager supper. When the spirit of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, enters his bed chamber in chains, the chill of the moment is easily felt. No sympathy for Scrooge for sure. The make up and costume on Marley are extreme and they show the horror this creature endures.
As the Ghost of Christmas Past arrives, the mood lightens. The early years of Scrooge are happy ones and the celebration put on by the Feeziwigs is enjoyable to watch. But the mood changes quickly as Scrooge chooses his own ambitious desires over the love of his life, Belle.
The Ghost of Christmas Present brings Scrooge to his employee, Bob Cratchit’s home where he sees first hand what his lack of pay is doing to the family. The final ghost to arrive, Ghost of Christmas yet to come, is intimating. It arrives just as the first act ends and it is huge without much human connection. In fact, there is not even a listing for that character in the program as to who is doing the role adding to the eeriness this figure brings with it.
However, it is at this point that sentiment in favor of Scrooge starts to change. Even before he arrives at the graveyard with the unnamed ghost, he is begging for a second chance. So when we find him back in his sleeping quarters, we also rejoice that it is Christmas Day and Scrooge has survived to live and make good on his promises. The final scenes of the show are joyful indeed as Scrooge rounds up a huge turkey, played charmingly by a cast member, and has it sent to the Cratchit family. His sense of fun of life is evident again the next morning when he arrives at the office and raises everyone’s salary. The words that close the play are memorable and most welcome to hear:
“And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!” – Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol
The Cast
In addition to Ames Adamson playing Ebenezer Scrooge, the cast is made up almost entirely of popular STNJ company veterans. Many play several parts during the show. The company is made up of Clark Scott Carmichael (Bob Cratchit), Garrett Lawson (Fred), Quentin McCuiston (Ghost of Christmas Past/Tiny Tim), and Emma O’Donnell (Mrs. Cratchit). Additionally, there is Lindsay Smiling (Marley’s Ghost/Ghost of Christmas Present), Raphael Nash Thompson (Mr. Fezziwig), Emily Walton (Fred’s Wife), Alison Weller (Mrs. Fezziwig) and Billie Wyatt (Belle).
It’s an active show and the stage is alive with different scenes which are highlighted by superb lighting effects. Sounds are also an important part of the show including the cast themselves coming in with “tick, tick” to simulate a clock and even Scrooge making sounds as he checks items and parts of his house. The overall mood of the various parts of the show are well convened by the special effects in the show.
Coming to Madison’s Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey during the holiday season is a special treat. The wonderful F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre feels cozy and warm as this tale of the season unfolds. Perhaps it is the words of the playwright, Charles Dickens, or maybe it is the acting by the cast or even the special effects that gives this show a special glow. Whatever it is, it will surely stir your imagination as you watch the journey of one man end happily ever after.
Additional Information about ‘A Christmas Carol’
Performances: Run Tuesdays – Sundays through Dec.29, 2019 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue (at Lancaster Road), Madison, New Jersey (located on Drew University’s campus).
For tickets and information: Tickets for A Christmas Carol begin at $59 for regular performances. The Theatre continues their 30 UNDER 30 program which provides patrons age 30 and under with tickets for only $30 with a valid ID. Call 973-408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.
Photos by Joe Guerin
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