By JOHN BONAZZO
COPY EDITOR
The Christmas season is here again, and with it the return of holiday shows.The Theatrical Outreach Program (TOP) put on a lively production of one of the classics of the genre, A Christmas Carol, in the Blackbox Theatre on Monday.
Charles Dickens’ holiday perennial tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a crotchety old man severely lacking in Christmas spirit. On Christmas Eve night, the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, arrives and warns that three spirits will visit him. As promised, the Ghost of Christmas Past shows him an idyllic boyhood that ultimately leads to his tragic estrangement from his family. The Ghost of Christmas Present gives Scrooge a glimpse of his family, celebrating and mocking him during a quaint Christmas party. Finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come gives Scrooge a look into the bleak future that awaits him if he does not change his ways. After his emotional night, Scrooge wakes up a new man. He faces Christmas with a jolly spirit and a vow to become a better person.
Co-directors Conner Klein and Wilmarie Cintronmuniz do an expert job of marshaling all the action on the tight Blackbox stage without it ever appearing too crowded. The action was transposed to the 1980s in New York City, but this is barely noticeable except for small dialogue, costume and music changes. The set is sparse, utilizing only white walls and some pieces of furniture, but it still gives the audience the illusion of being on a fully appointed scenic landscape. Any location that is not replicated on stage is described by Dickens’ detailed narration recited here so the audience can imagine the atmosphere.
The lighting is effectively done, using white tones for the happier scenes but turning to a darker hue when Scrooge’s journey turns macabre.
The cast of this show does a fantastic job. Max Beyer, as Scrooge, impeccably shows the man’s transition from grumpy businessman to scared weakling to, finally, redeemed giver. David Portmore narrates the show, and gives Dickens’ words just the right amount of gravity and gravitas. Patrick Kelley is extremely charismatic as Bob Cratchit and Fezziwig, Scrooge’s former boss. Ben Strate is endearing as Scrooge’s nephew, Fred. Devin Chowske is a highlight of the show as Marley, yanking his chains and spewing his lines with delicious menace, and he is also scary as the wraithlike Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Sara Jansson is a cheerful but effective Ghost of Christmas Past. Mary Frances Richardson, as the Ghost of Christmas Present, morphs from cherubic to menacing with ease. James Demetriades is an affecting Tiny Tim, and he executes the show’s trademark line, “God bless us, everyone,” with tenderness.
TOP’s production of A Christmas Carol was a highlight of Fordham’s fall theater season, showcasing great talents in a classic holiday story.
