Hartford Stage, Hartford, CT
through December 29, 2024
By Suzanne Wells
Hartford Stage presents a hauntingly mesmerizing rendition of “A Christmas Carol, A Ghost Story About Christmas,” written by Charles Dickens and adapted and directed by Michael Wilson. This chilling adaptation delves deep into the eerie and spectral elements of the classic tale, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after the final curtain call.
The story follows the redemption of Mr. Scrooge, who transforms from a penny-pinching moneylender to a kind-hearted benefactor, thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by his deceased partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Allen Gilmore is outstanding as Mr. Scrooge. He is truly detestable in his portrayal of an ungenerous and uncharitable man obsessed with money. Gilmore masterfully alternates between miserly, comical, and sorrowful as he learns his fate, ultimately becoming almost joyfully, childlike as a repentant man. It’s a lot to convey for one character, and Gilmore performs the transitions seamlessly.
Noble Shropshire, who plays both Mrs. Dilber and Jacob Marley, is incredible, infusing each role with the appropriate eerie drama. His low-pitched voice prophesizes the dismal events to come, creating a spine-shivering atmosphere that draws the audience in. As the ghost of Jacob Marley, he convincingly conveys his regrets and hopes with dramatic flair.
The Ghosts of Christmas Past, portrayed by Rebecka Jones, and Present, portrayed by John-Andrew Morrison, are both lovable and fearsome. They share Scrooge’s happy times but never let him overlook the consequences of his choices. Jones and Morrison truly shine as beacons of light on stage.
Scenic design by Tony Straiges is simplistic and efficient during the many scene changes, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the story without feeling lost in the transition. Collaborating with Robert Wierzel, in charge of lighting design, the audience passes from the darkened streets of a smoke-filled London to the mouth of hell to the end of time. Costume design by Alejo Vietti combines the Day of the Dead with Victorian England, clearly establishing there are ghosts walking among us. Choreography by Hope Clarke provides a mixture of traditional Victorian quadrilles with infusions of ballet and modern moves, contributing to a festive and hauntingly disturbing atmosphere.
