“Why do see ‘A Christmas Carol’ at McCarter when it’s the same story. Every. Single. Year.” “Because the story is told differently. Every. Single. Year.”
Tradition is important and so is belonging. From the very first appearance of Charles Dickens’ novella, first published December 19, 1843, it was a best seller. That first printing sold out before Christmas Eve that year and has never been out of print in the 180 years since. In keeping with the original novella that was conceived at a time when those in Britain were examining the why and wherefor of many of their customs, they were integrating new ones like trees and cards. And traditions change – remember that during Victorian times, Christmas trees were hung what we would consider upside down.
Lauren Keating directs her adaptation. Her first experience with theatre love was right at McCarter and that shows in every scene. Every family who attends this show will see echoes of their own. Belonging matters and so does representation. The cues are sometimes subtle, but for those with eyes to see, the experience is that much more rich.
The ghosts are always varied and wonderful. Julie Ann Earls as Christmas Past, Gisella Chípe as Christmas Present and Stephen Conrad Moore as Christmas Yet to Come each added presence to their presence. I especially enjoyed the costuming for each, thank you Linda Cho! Particularly enjoyable is the transformation of Christmas Present through the course of her tenure.
Joel McKinnon Miller is a familiar face to many from his work on stage and screen. We know that hurt people hurt people, and Scrooge was deeply hurt at a very young age. The lonely boy who first received a perception of validation through work grows to a lonely man who knows nothing else. Yet, has it ever been thus that there is always a way to change as long as we draw breath. Miller’s Scrooge grows in awareness of what he has been and what he must be to know the true love of chosen family. And the knowledge and realization break through in Miller’s performance like the burgeoning light of a new day. The joy is palpable and beautiful to behold.
The dancing and merriment are the perfect refuge from the world outside with the traffic and holiday rush. This show closes Christmas Eve and McCarter has more razzle to dazzle in 2024 as well. There’s no present like the time, so buy your tickets now for a Holiday tradition. Visit the box office at https://www.mccarter.org/ .