By Amy Baird
If you want to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, look no further than A Christmas Carol performed by the Gallery Theatre Companyat the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork, Utah. Based on the classic book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and adapted for the stage by Mark Shipley, this is a holiday favorite that has stood the test of time.The play was produced by Andy Hjorth and Curt Gordon.
This holiday classic tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy old miser who has no Christmas spirit. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by a ghostly former colleague, Jacob Marley, who tells him that he will be visited by three ghosts who will show him his past, present, and future. Through his experiences with each ghost, Scrooge has a change of heart and embraces the true spirit of Christmas. His dramatic transformation from grumpy penny pincher to charitable benefactor illustrates the power of the Christmas spirit.
Director Tannie Shipley Hjorth, along with assistant directors Dave Chapa and Samantha Hjorth, worked with the cast to recreate Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey. Bill Brown portrays a perfectly cranky and indifferent Ebenezer Scrooge. His movements and complaints embody the infamously grumpy character whose name has become a synonym for cranky. Within the first few minutes, we are introduced to the other major players in Scrooge’s life. Scrooge’s employee Bob Cratchit is played by Logan Kneeland as a kind, sympathetic family man. Scrooge’s jovial nephew Fred was brought to life by Seth Gifford with energy and enthusiasm.
Sydney Carlson portrays a young and beautiful Ghost of Christmas Past as well as Scrooge’s young love interest, Belle. Her brightness and warmth are a sharp contrast to Scrooge’s harsh, coldness. Tannie Hjorth’s enthusiasm lights up the stage in her portrayal of Mrs. Fezziwig as she spreads Christmas cheer to all at the party.
The carolers serve to assist the transition between scenes. The ensemble shows their versatility by playing multiple roles. All of the carolers also have other roles varying from the three ghosts to the Fezziwigs to Mrs. Cratchit.
The production utilizes staging and lighting to enhance the play. The show begins with a writing desk in the middle of the stage where Scrooge is working. As the play goes on, Scrooge moves from front and center, symbolizing his selfishness, to an observer. As he begins to look beyond himself, he begins to see the world as it truly is.
One aspect of the play that made it stand out from other versions was its use of light. When the play first begins, we are introduced to the characters as a candle is lit. After the candles are lit, the lights come on. Light and darkness are also used when we meet the ghosts. We are in the dark along with Ebenezer until the ghosts appear in a floor of light and experience his surprise.
What I loved about Angelus Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol is how the simple sets and small cast captures the essence of the message of the story. You could go see a professional cast perform A Christmas Carol with lavish sets and elegant costumes, but I think that the message may be lost in the production. Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol to bring attention to the plight of the poor and destitute in London. By distilling the story to these specific scenes and simplifying the story, it helps you focus on the core of the story and the importance of the Christmas spirit. A Christmas Carol is a delightful production and is appropriate for all ages. Get your tickets now and experience this unique telling of A Christmas Carol.
Angelus Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol, adaptation by Mark Shipley based on the play by Charles Dickens.
Angelus Theatre, 165 North Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah 84660
November 29–December 23, 2019, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $11 Adults, $9 Seniors/Children
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