Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was first published 181 years ago, the same year as the invention of the rotary printing press. And while many advances have been made since that time for the betterment of mankind, the concept of a selfish, money-hungry, miserly old man in dire need of a moral makeover still rings true and more relevant than ever.
Little Theatre of Alexandria recently closed the Christmas classic, adapted by Donna Ferragut, after completely sold-out houses for the entire run. I had the good fortune to catch a performance in the final week and attended with my son, who is home from ODU for winter break.
Ferragut’s adaptation is abridged and brings the production down to about a 70-minute runtime, which is great for families with young children. The heart of the story remains fully intact; plus several standard Christmas songs have been added to enhance the experience, accompanied by live musicians as part of the cast, and including a sing-along of “Here We Come A-Caroling” after the curtain call.
Scenic Designer MYKE Taister created an open and festive background with rows of Christmas trees lining the upstage area, and moving set pieces such as Scrooge’s four-poster bed, a door, and chairs to signify various scenes. Lighting Designer Ari McSherry utilized the Christmas tree lights along with some more haunting hues and chain shadow effects for the ghosts to add a touch of the ethereal, without sparking too much fear in the family-friendly atmosphere.
The show begins with Tony Greenberg as Charles Dickens himself, walking through the house and onto the stage as he chats pleasantly and introduces the production. Greenberg has a calm and inviting presence and also appears later in the production as the jovial Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Future
While the text has been shortened, the dialogue is still straight from Dickens’ pen, and Peter Fannon plays the crotchety old Ebenezer Scrooge with masterful intonation and delivery, allowing the humor and shrewd nature of the source material to shine through.
Jacob Marley is performed by Andrew Huff, Robert J. Ryley is the endearing nephew Fred (and Young Scrooge), and Mike Kroboth is the kind Bob Cratchit. Each performer does a fine job bringing their characters to life and honoring the beloved journey of redemption and second chances.
Director Sarah Hardy establishes a steady pace from the beginning, which causes the time to flow by quickly. And costume designer Isabella Taylor has done a lovely job creating an appropriate period feel, with some standout pieces like the Ghost of Christmas Present’s (Spencer Pilcher) robe and the Ghost of Christmas Past’s (Siena Butler) gorgeous red and silver dress.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s production of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol was just what the doctor ordered for a taste of nostalgic comfort and hits all of the traditional notes that are expected of the beloved holiday tale. The ensemble was energetic and lively, and the vibe in the theater was incredibly jovial and comforting. An overall warming experience that can be enjoyed at all ages, every year.
Running Time: Approximately 70 minutes with no intermission.
A Christmas Carol played December 7 to 21, 2024, at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA. For information on LTA’s upcoming productions, visit their website.
A Christmas Carol
Written by Charles Dickens
Adaptation by Donna Ferragut
Produced by Genie Baskir & Russell M. Wyland
Directed by Sarah Hardy
CAST
Charles Dickens, Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Future: Tony Greenberg; Ebenezer Scrooge: Peter Fannon; Bob Cratchit: Mike Kroboth; Jacob Marley, the Poulterer: Andrew Huff;
Ghost of Christmas Past, Ruth: Siena Butler; Mrs. Cratchit, the Skater: Maria Ciarrocchi; Fan, Belle Child: Penelope Porter; Belle, Mrs. Pipchin: Jen Ware; Fred, Young Scrooge: Robert J. Ryley; Mrs. Dilber, Mrs. Fezziwig: Judy Rolph Ebner; Caroline’s Husband, Gentleman 2, Businessman 2: Leo Mairena; Topper, Young Marley: Ned Muckerman; Ghost of Christmas Present, Gentleman 1: Spencer Pilcher; Dick Wilkins, Businessman 1, Pawnbroker Joe: Bruce Porter, Jr.
Young People, Cast A: Belinda Cratchit, Belle Child: Anna Jones; Martha Cratchit: Emily Moser; Youngest Cratchit Boy, Urchin: Connor Maloney; Tiny Tim, Belle Child: John Henry Bowers; Peter Cratchit, Boy Scrooge: Finnegan Smith; Turkey Girl, Belle Child, Want: Aria Bierzynski; Belle Child, Ignorance: Cecelia Garbaliauskas; Youngest Cratchit Girl: Abigail Rimmke; Caroline, Mary, Miss Fezziwig: Seychelle Shamir
Young People, Cast B: Belinda Cratchit, Belle Child: Hayleigh Estrella; Martha Cratchit, Miss Fezziwig: Caroline Bouma; Youngest Cratchit Boy, Urchi: Luke Aronstam; Tiny Tim, Belle Chil: Isaiah Salley; Peter Crachit, Boy Scrooge: Callan Smiley; Turkey Girl, Belle Child, Want: Ada Zablocki; Belle Child, Ignorance: Julianne Curley; Fan, Youngest Cratchit Girl: Scarlett Welker, Mary, Caroline, Miss Fezziwig: Elena Romero-Collette
Musicians: Percussion: Patrick Arenstam, Benjamin Gorini; Flute: Laticia Argueta
PRODUCTION STAFF
ProducersGenie Baskir, Russell M. Wyland; Director: Sarah Hardy; Stage Managers: Micheal J. O’Connor, Caitlin O’Leary; Music Director: Geoffrey Baskir; Assistant Producer: Mary Beth Smith-Toomey; Set Design: MYKE Taister; Master Carpenter: MYKE Taister; Carpentry Assistants: Jim Hutzler, Jeff Nesmeyer, Russell M. Wyland; Lighting Design: Ari McSherry; Master Electrician: Vinuthna Kanti; Electrician Assistants: Sylas Andrews, Lloyd Bittinger, Kimberly Crago, Cydney Harris, Pam Leonowich, Candace Moseley, Micheal J. O’Connor, Doug Samuelson, Sherry Singer; Sound Design: Alan Wray; Sound Assistant: David Correia; Costume Design: lsabella Taylor; Costumer Assistant: Genie Baskir, Jean Schlichting, Kit Sibley; Hair Design: Ashley Pruett; Hair Design Assistant: Kadira Coley; Makeup Design: Caitlan Dubbs; Set Painting: Mona Wargo; Painting Assistants: Caitlyn Dubbs, Melinda Dubbs, Marcela Harris, Martin Harris, Janet Kennelly, Karen Maline, Margaret McCarthy, Asher Nelson, Sheryl Rakestraw, Wendy Sneff, H. Paul Volden; Set Decoration: MYKE Taister and Russell M. Wyland; Decoration Assistant: Frank D. Shutts II; Properties Design: Monica Stumpo; Props Assistants: Siobhan Fisher, Brianna Lau, Caroline Pade, Emilie Pade, Jason Pade; Wardrobe Coordinator: Alisa Beyninson; Wardrobe Assistants: Beth Adler, Margaret Snow, Robin Worthington; Backstage Assistants: Joey Bowers, Kristine Maloney, Emme Porter; Photographers: Bob Aronstam, Matt Liptak; Rigging: Russell M. Wyland; Audition Coordinators: Ann Shively and Janice Zucker; Audition Assistants: Rita Costello, Rachel Dixon, Peter Fannon, Barbara Gertzog, Zell Murphy, Mary Beth Smith-Toomey, Ken Zabielski
