By Valerie J. Mikles
The theater is abuzz with the sounds of families, friends, and neighbors filing in for Bowie Center for the Performing Arts’ annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Christopher Dwyer. Running just over an hour and featuring an ensemble packed with kids, this is an accessible, family-friendly rendition of a well-loved classic.
The show opens with a spirited performance by the BCPA Community Chorus, dressed in Victorian garb to set the stage. The Community Chorus is a local, all-ages singing group, directed by Ryan New and Sydney Dionne, that provides an engaging boost to the show’s ensemble. Director/producer Christopher Dwyer uses the ensemble well, adding warmth and depth to the scenes throughout the show.
The story begins with the notorious miser Ebeneezer Scrooge, played by Gary DuBreuil, hurling angry humbugs at anyone who dares wish him a Merry Christmas. A strong, dynamic lead, DuBreuil brings quick wit and physical humor to the role, drawing chuckles from the audience even in his most villainous state. Through the abbreviated script, he transitions smoothly and thoughtfully from bitter to annoyed to fearful to humble to joyous with expert measure.
Matthew Pauli is ominous and imposing as the ghost of Marley. In a classic show like this, I was skeptical about feeling something new, but the interaction between Pauli and DuBreuil was genuinely moving. I felt the weight of Marley’s chains and the lesson he carried for Scrooge in a new way. Pauli’s costume and makeup were the most impressive of the production and added to his haunting presence.
Marley’s powers are theatrically demonstrated with the dancing set, spinning Scrooge and his bed around the stage like a puppet on a string. While a little clunky in execution, the moving scene elements add an aspect of whimsy and farce that keep the overall tone of the show extraordinarily light and kid-friendly in the face of a scary specter.
The ghosts of Christmas past (Summer Moore), present (Shaquille Stewart), and future (Matthew Pauli) shone during the journey, each bringing a unique spirit and personality to the role, and creating a variety of rapport with DuBreuil. Moore starts off as the bubbly spirit, exemplifying the joyous scenes and possibilities of Christmas past. Stewart brings a forthright, brotherly personality, folding in elements of humor and foreshadowing the downward trend. Pauli, in combination with narrator Dwyer, takes us to a quiet, lonely future, sharply contrasting DuBreuil’s increasingly desperate pleas for a second chance.
A four-musician ensemble helps frame the minimalist set, making possible the fantastic swirls through time on this magical journey without a complex set change. Though I appreciated the minimalism, the set elements that were present felt under-designed. Projection Designer Oscar Hawkins picks up the slack with amazing use of visuals, selecting and sizing images well to serve as a backdrop for the journey from reality to the spirit world. The projection for the talking door knocker was somewhat obstructed from my vantage point, but I think it was a clever choice to make the scene more accessible to the wider audience.
With Dwyer’s adaptation, the supporting cast has limited time to develop and breathe life into their characters, and they rise brilliantly to the occasion. Mrs. Cratchit (Sydney Dionne) and Bob Cratchit (Marcus Wilder) play off each other perfectly in their family moments. Eden Darby as Martha Cratchit is a beautiful balance: dynamic, weary of her family’s situation, helpful to a fault, yet maintaining a playful sass. Ryan New as Fred is a cheerful and bright contrast to his uncle. While the story was abridged, I never felt that anything was missing, and in fact, I appreciated the pacing and the fullness of each moment. The message and the moral come through loud and clear.
This delightfully spirited, joyful, and genuinely moving BCPA production of A Christmas Carol is a perfect family treat that absolutely deserves a spot on your holiday calendar.
Running time: 70 minutes, no intermission.
A Christmas Carol plays through December 21, 2026, at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts – 15200 Annapolis Road/Route 450 in Bowie, MD (next to Bowie High School and the Bowie Public Library). For tickets ($20–$30) and more information, go online. The December 21 performance includes live ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director, Producer: Christopher Dwyer
Assistant Director, Stage Manager: Alyssa Hill
Community Chorus Director: Ryan New
Community Chorus Assistant Director: Sydney Dionne
Band Director: Owen Adams
Choreographer, Costume Coordinator: Summer Moore
Costume Designer: Mary George
Tech Supervisor: Jerry George
Puppet Designer: Matthew Pauli
Lighting Designer: Jarrell Benson
Projections Designer: Oscar Hawkins
Sound Designer: Kristina Manente
Music Composer: Moira Todd
CAST
Narrator: Christopher Dwyer
Ebenezer Scrooge: Gary DuBreuil
Bob Cratchit: Marcus Wilder
Mrs. Cratchit: Sydney Dionne
Fred: Ryan New
Jacob Marley, Ghost of Christmas Future: Matthew Pauli
Ghost of Christmas Past, Mrs. Dilber: Briana Manente (understudy: Summer Moore)
Ghost of Christmas Present, Box Collector: Shaquille Stewart
Fezziwig, Fred’s Wife, Violin: Lisa Hill-Corley
Young Scrooge, Businessman, Butcher: Jacob Werner
Young Lady: Julia Kelley
Businessperson: Sheila Stringer
Old Joe, Ensemble: Bryan Hargraves
Martha Cratchit: Eden Darby
Fan: Milani Kline
Tiny Tim: Jax-One Hill
Turkey Boy: Tristan DuBreuil
MUSICIANS
Keyboard, Band Director: Owen Adams
Guitar: Korey Cunningham
Flute: Karyn Thomas
Valerie J. Mikles is a Ph.D. astronomer who made a career leap to work on weather satellites. Balancing her science life, she fills her free time writing novels, playing songs on her ukulele, and vacuuming cat hair. Her motto in life is “I can be everything I want, just not all at the same time.”
