Few literary works can claim as much retelling and
reimagining as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. On film it's been immortalized
by the likes of Mickey and company in the 1983 Disney animated version and in
the 1988 dramedy Scrooged starring Bill Murray. On stage it's been performed
for audiences the world over--modernized in some adaptations, modified for
youngsters in others.
In Houston, Michael Wilson's classical stage adaption has been enchanting
audiences at Alley Theatre for many holiday seasons. Just as the Sugarplum Fairy
can be counted on to dance the Nutcracker and the Christmas tree to light up the
park at City Hall, so too local theatergoers can rely on Jeffrey Bean's
crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge.
Running the entirety of the holiday season, A Christmas
Carol: A Story of Christmas takes audiences on a whimsical journey to 19th
Century England. Things aren't quite so merry on Christmas Eve for Mr. Scrooge and
those around him. Debts are called in, pay is given stingily and the cheer of
the season is nowhere to be found.
In this work, Dickens was consumed by the concepts of charity and goodwill, and
perhaps also good versus evil. Not that we are meant to see Scrooge as evil,
but rather that the forces at work inside him-greed, cruelty and spite-are preventing
him from actually living. We learn through his encounter with the Ghost of
Christmas Past the slow progression that led him to his sad state. We see how becoming consumed with money and
wealth can make a person lose sight of the truly important things. Dickens'
tale is as true and relatable today as it was when he penned it in 1843.
Alley's staging is simple yet impressive, with a stable
primary setting embellished by moving props and changing backdrops. Having
performed the part for years, Bean's portrayal of Scrooge is masterful,
crafting a character that audiences will abhor and empathize with at the same
time. Other standouts include John Felch as both Mrs. Dilber and Jacob Marley who
brings levity and a bit of sass to the stage. A cadre of skeletal characters from England's past who met untimely deaths provide a dancing chorus of sorts. Also striking is Philip Lehl's
portrayal of Bob Cratchit, a strong yet pitiable man who still looks for the
good in all people and things.
Alley Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol runs through
Dec. 24. Click here for tickets.
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