All productions of A Christmas Carol are good, but only some are amazing. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s is the best.
The story is the same — Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by three spirits who teach him the true meaning of Christmas — but the setting is 1843 Baltimore. This update, adapted by Laura Rockyln, includes a visiting Charles Dickens (Paul Diem) and a cameo by Edgar Allen Poe (William Beckstrom). References abound to Baltimore-area landmarks, like the (Baltimore) Washington Monument and the Calverton Almshouse. These minor additions pay off. Thinking about Scrooge walking down streets that we have all walked before serves to ground the production and give it a sense of reality.
The scenic design by Dan O’Brien further conveys the time period and the Baltimore setting by representing the banking building of Scrooge and Marley’s as it would have appeared in 1843; a very fun bit of storytelling within the updated script is that Scrooge and Marley’s is located at the address of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, a building whose life began as a bank. The stage is set and re-set by the cast with a table and benches as needed for the scene. By nixing large set pieces and utilizing representative hand props (courtesy of props artisan Katherine Ross) like a door knocker and locks, the pace never lagged. Longer scene changes marking the passage of time are covered by Kate Forton singing by candlelight, one time joined by Brendan Edward Kennedy.
Forton’s and Kennedy’s dulcet singing interludes aren’t the only music, though. Fiddler Ellie Cattle and pianist William Beckstrom seldom leave the stage, using live music to underpin emotional scenes. Many scenes include full-cast, multi-part harmony caroling; Music Director Grace Srinivasan brought extremely talented artists together and turned them into a well-balanced and nuanced chorus. A welcome addition to the bounty of traditional Victorian-era Christmas songs sprinkled throughout the play is the inclusion of a scene of factory workers using their hammers and other working tools to keep time through a traditionally spiritual song.
A Christmas Carol production can only be as good as its Scrooge, and blessedly, Gregory Burgess delivers. Burgess brings a full range of emotions to Scrooge, establishing him at first as a miserly and miserable old man and slowly and convincingly transforming him into a completely different man, one full of joy and love for all. The way Burgess punctuates surprising moments with a high-pitched shriek brought peals of laughter from the audience. A very sweet ending moment between Scrooge and Tiny Tim (Georgianna Ashford and Everett Engler share the role) showcases that not only can Burgess act, he is also an incredible singer.
Supporting Scrooge through his redemption arc is a true ensemble cast. Not only responsible for portraying the myriad supporting characters within the story, individuals also took turns narrating, creating sound effects, and adding depth to the staging by sitting and watching characters along the edges of the playing space. A major standout in this stellar cast is Scrooge’s niece, Frances (Elana Michelle). To a role almost defined by cloyingly sweet optimism, Michelle brings a level of sincerity that grounds the character, making her love of Scrooge despite it all seem reasonable and compassionate. Another highlight is Mrs. Cratchit (Joelle Denise). Denise’s voice holds multitudes of emotion as the strong matriarch of the Cratchit family, conveying the exhaustion of a life lived hard. When Denise holds back tears, the audience weeps them for her.
No rendition of A Christmas Carol (and so, no review of A Christmas Carol) can be complete without the four spectral presences. Jacob Marley (Samuel Richie) is the first ghost we see, clanking out from under Scrooge’s bed weighed down by chains. In truly ghoulish makeup and with the ensemble echoing his wails from the rafters, Richie’s warnings to Scrooge become otherworldly and terrifying. Being dragged away by other faceless specters is very striking but may be a bit much for some of the younger audience members. Thankfully for the kids, the next ghost in line is The Ghost of Christmas Past (Morganne Chu), who is not just figuratively incandescent but is literally dazzling in a beautiful white gown and matching bouffant, replete with glowing lights (kudos to Costume Designer Kristina Lambdin). Chu’s Christmas Past is sweet and empathetic, and she plays the role deftly. The Ghost of Christmas Present (Brendan Edward Kennedy) is next. Kennedy fills the room with his thunderous voice and playful demeanor, bringing smiles to everyone on (and off) stage. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is a massive and cowled phantom puppet, designed by Chris Reuther and puppeteered by Paul Diem, Isaiah Mason Harvey, and Samual Richie, working in concert. Helped greatly by Lighting Designer Luis Garcia, scenes from Scrooge’s future with this towering wraith-like spirit overlooking take on a nightmare quality. It’s impressively done, and as Director Séamus Miller says in his director’s note, “These torments allow [Scrooge] to break through to a joy that seemed utterly unattainable at the start of the night.”
This is the tenth year Chesapeake Shakespeare Company has presented A Christmas Carol, and it shows. From the first notes of caroling to Tiny Tim’s famous “God bless us, everyone!” there is not a moment wasted or a scene that drags on. More importantly, the love and effort displayed by the cast and crew will warm your heart this holiday season.
Running Time: Two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
A Christmas Carol plays through December 23, 2023, at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 South Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD. Purchase tickets (starting at $56 for adults, at $31 for youth under 25) by calling 410-244-8570, visiting the Box Office in person, or ordering online.
A Christmas Carol
Adapted from Charles Dickens by Laura Rocklyn
CAST
Ebenezer Scrooge – Gregory Burgess*
Bob Cratchit – Brendan Murray*
Frances – Elana Michelle Williams*
Jacob Marley – Samuel Richie*
Ghost of Christmas Past – Morganne Chu
Ghost of Christmas Present – Brendan Edward Kennedy*
Young Scrooge – Isaiah Mason Harvey*
Dick Wilkins – Benny Pope*
Belle – Tia Thomas
Mrs. Fezziwig – Ali Haas
Mr. Fezziwig – Paul Diem
Mrs. Cratchit – Joelle Denise
Mrs. Dilber – Molly Moores*
Mrs. Pickersgill – Kate Forton*
CREATIVE TEAM
Director – Séamus Miller*
Production Manager – Lauren Engler*
Production Stage Manager – Samba Pathak
Rehearsal Stage Manager – Monique Chambers
Assistant Director – Quae Simpson
Technical Director – Dan O’Brien*
Set Designer – Dan O’Brien*
Lighting Designer – Luis Garcia
Costume Designer – Kristina Lambdin*
Props Artisan – Katherine Ross
Dance and Movement Choreographer – Quae Simpson
Wardrobe Supervisor – Hannah Brill
Wardrobe Assistant – Hana Clarice
Light Board Operator – Andrew Pfluger
Backstage Swing – Gabby Grant
Production Associate – Dawn Thomas Reidy*
Assistant Stage Manager – Griffin DeLisle
Youth Cast Supervisor – Vanessa Strickland
Senior House Manager – Pam Forton*
COVID Safety Officer – Mandy Benedix*
* A member of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company
