Review by M.T. Bennett, Front Row Reviewers
Parker Theatre in South Salt Lake is one of the many fine live theater experiences and their annual offering of A Christmas Carol is a case in point. In every production, Parker Theatre not only understands the assignment and delivers it to its audience, it seems to up its performance with every production. As mentioned, there are a lot of theaters in Salt Lake City, and a lot of them are playing A Christmas Carol, however, if you choose only one place to see that play, make it at Parker Theatre.
A Christmas Carol is the stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ book by the same name written in 1843 and adapted for the stage the very next year in 1844. In it, a miserly old man, Ebeneezer Scrooge, is visited by three ghosts who inspire him to carry the Christmas spirit in his heart. This play is a popular choice during this season. In fact, in the Directors Note, Artistic Director Spencer Hohl says, “A Christmas Carol is produced frequently around the world, and at times, it can feel pointless to add our spin to an oversaturated market. However, we have found that many productions lack the heart and tone of the book. Since we are a self-proclaimed classical theatre company, it still feels right to bring our own production back year after year.” He also mentions how the theatre’s goal is, “not about lifting the book to the stage verbatim but about carrying out the emotions and messages Dickens laid out nearly 200 years ago”. Under the direction of Hohl and Director Brinton M. Wilkins, the production succeeds admirably at that goal.
Parker Theatre itself is always a delight to visit. Their unique soda shop makes them stand out and treats made in house are delicious and always changing. The staff are perpetually positive and friendly, especially Operations Manager Missy Stebbing who checks patrons in and directs them to their seat. One always feels welcome at Parker Theatre. As you take your seats and the play begins you are immediately thrown into the cold and dark world of the Scrooge & Marley firm.
Carrying all of this production value is the amazing talent of the acting cast. First is Ebenezer Scrooge played by Brinton M. Wilkins who is following in his father Richard G. Wilkins’ footsteps. His father played Scrooge at Hale Center Theater for 26 years and has imparted his prodigious talent upon his son as B. Wilkins plays a sassy yet sincere Scrooge. He elicits laughter from the audience, indignation at his callousness, and caring at his change. We can only hope he stays with Parker Theatre for the next 26 years.
Bob Cratchit is played by the talented Lucas Charon. I was very pleased to see him after witnessing his talents earlier this year at Parker Theatre’s The Woman in Black. Charon is also playing a family legacy character because his father played Cratchit at Hale Center for 15 years. Charon, as ever, brings a warm believability to his characters. He has little touches that add to his performance, such as trying to warm his fingers on the flame of a candle when Scrooge refuses to burn more coal. As with Wilkins, we hope to see Charon for many more years.
Stephen Harmon’s portrayal of Jacob Marley is fear inspiring. The other ghosts are no less impressive. Helene Parker plays various roles, most notably as the Ghost of Christmas Past, flying in on wires and with an otherworldly nobility to her voice and actions. She returns to the wires when she flies in as the Ghost of Christmas Future, full of dark certainty and a touch of menace. David Hansen brings a lot of fun but also a sense of solemnity in his role of The Ghost of Christmas Present.
Scrooge’s jolly nephew Fred is played by Tanner Tate with vim and peppy vigor. There are many youth and child actors who all did amazing. Leia Call plays various roles as does Jago Parker who brings young Scrooge and Peter Cratchit to life. Ellie Wilkins contributes her many talents at her young age to her various roles. Eloise Hohl is heartbreaking as an impoverished and starving child, melting not only the hearts of the audience, but miserly Scrooge’s as well. Charlie Harris as the famous Tiny Tim is adorable, perfect for the role and shining in his debut role.
Stage manager Amber Knaras and Assistant Stage Manager Rebekah Olson have a hefty job working with a production that is repeated and upgraded yearly. Between all the set designs, moving pieces, actors on wires, top-notch special effects, and use of other properties (in conjunction with Property Manager Erin Oliphant) it is a lot of work. However, it comes together seamlessly. Costumes by Rebecca L. Fenton and Makeup by Shannara Jones gives each character their classic look and personality. In a classic play such as this there are specific looks each character is known for, but different touches and changes can be added which are done well.
Executive Director James B. Parker dons the hat of lighting director, and his talent is on full display as his masterful lighting plays a central character of its own, reflecting the condition of Scrooge’s heart. The lighting is dark, full of blue shades and long shadows. It is imposing and gives a sense of dread. When Harmon as Marley appears out of the fireplace with an unearthly green shade from above and a dark red of hellfire from below, wreathed in these colors with clanking chains and Harmon’s presence, he is absolutely terrifying.
A Christmas Carol requires the spooky sounds that only a play that includes horror must have. S. Hohl not only serves as the director but as sound designer as well, which is very effective in drawing the audience in. Marley’s chains rattle around us, setting a spooky atmosphere. The ghosts’ voices all echo and are ethereal, while Scrooge’s sounds his everyday normal, which for him means very grouchy. Every touch and sound in every scene are obviously thought out with care and are masterfully done.
The lighting and sound don’t shy away from the fact that this is a ghost story and the operator for both, Amber Knaras, brings out the magic here. At times, it is almost more terrifying than Parker Theatre’s Halloween production of The Woman in Black. The lighting plays clever tricks as well. For instance, the first time there was is snow falling in a scene I kept looking to see where it was piling on the floor and didn’t see anything. It is actually a trick of lighting. Another example is when Scrooge wakes up Christmas morning with a changed heart. The stage is bathed in the most warm and welcoming light, an instant contrast to the cold uncaring light from earlier. The lighting is the unsung champion in this production.
Parker Theater’s A Christmas Carol includes a large supporting cast who all play multiple roles to bring this story to life. Each one is an important piece and none are lacking in their performances. In the end, they deliver a highly professional and incredibly moving version of this classic tale. As November turns to December and you find yourself in need of Christmas inspiration, look no further than Parker Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. Scrooge’s story will ignite your Christmas spirit without requiring that you be visited by three of them. The effects are incredible, the play is inspiring, the acting is of the highest quality. You won’t want to miss it as Parker Theatre puts their best foot forward.
Parker Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Parker Theatre, 3605 South State Street, South Salt Lake City, UT 84115
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM with Saturday matinees at 3:30 PM from November 23- December 14, 2024. Then every day until Christmas from December 18- December 24, 2024 See website for more information.
Tickets: Adults: $27, Children: $18
Parker Theatre | Live Theatre
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