REVIEW: Hartford Stage, "A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas"

Hartford Stage, Hartford, CT 

www.hartfordstage.org 

through December 28, 2025 

by C. L. Blacke

Celebrating its 25^th year at Hartford Stage, "A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas" is one holiday stage production everyone should see. This retelling of the classic Charles Dickens novella, adapted and directed by Michael Wilson, brings the magic of Christmas and the magic of theatre together in a seamless blend of the traditional and the innovative, the whimsical and the nightmare, the light and the dark.

Photo by T. Charles Erickson

It is at times terrifying, filled with dancing specters, and fanciful with quirky characters old and new, who each play their part in Ebeneezer Scrooge’s redemption from a miserly moneylender to a benevolent benefactor. From seasoned equity actors to BFA students at the Hartt School to debut actors with the Youth Company, this production is filled with a multi-generational cast that brings Dickensian London in all its wonder and wickedness to life.

Outstanding performances are given by all, but two remain unrivaled: equity actors Guiesseppe Jones and Noble Shropshire. Jones breathes new life into Dickens’ most famous character, portraying each transition of Scrooge’s personality (arrogance, madness, regret, and giddiness) with the ease of a turning clock hand. Likewise, Shropshire’s acting chops are undeniable as he takes on dual roles: the comedic, if not beleaguered housekeeper, Mrs. Dilber; and the fearsome, flying ghost of Jacob Marley.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the classic that it is without the Spirits of Christmas Past (Rebecka Jones) and Present (Stuart Rider), who both fill the stage with their kindness and light (and glitter), so desperately needed even in today’s world. And as always, the Spirit of Christmas Future (Daniel Madigan) is a frightening and ominous reminder of what might be if the darkness of life is embraced instead.

As these incredible performers bring the magic to Hartford Stage, it is the design team’s immense efforts that create theatre magic, spectacular enough to rival any Broadway production. Tony Straiges’ scenic design mixes a simple fixed set with lavish movable pieces to create busy London streets, Scrooge’s bed, and the Spirits’ transportation through memory and reality. Robert Wierzel’s lighting design utilizes stencils (called gobos) to illustrate Scrooge’s state of mind, atmospheric conditions, and the passage of time. John Gromada’s sound design and original music provide eerie and sometimes startling sound effects, as well as festive accompaniment for parties and dance scenes. These elements combined with Alejo Vietti’s gorgeous costumes immerse the senses completely in this hauntingly delightful production.