Director Jessica Seaman takes David Wiener's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol to a new level of entertainment. The incorporation of classical and traditional music, off-stage narration, and the use of much of the audience space at Torrey Pines Christian Church as a playing area brings this classic up-close and personal. The venue, which has been used by at least one other theater company, offers an extremely large auditorium and an ample stage area.
Terence J. Burke is Scrooge. As he transitions from an ogre to a kinder version of the old skinflint, Burke is absolutely believable. His voice resonates throughout the hall.
Steve Earl Oliver plays putupon Bob Cratchit, a charming hero to his family.
The Cratchit family, Mrs. Cratchit, Emily, and Martha (Paola Hornbuckle, Mackenzie Yonekura and Erin Smith) are a delight, with less than complimentary feelings about Bob's boss. Hornbuckle doubles as Mrs. Fezziwig, and Yonekura also plays Scrooge as a boy. Micaela Applebaum is the almost-silent Tiny Tim; however, as Ghost of Christmas Past, she leads Scrooge through what was.
Ivan Harrison appears to have a joyous time playing the deceased Jacob Marley and the fully hooded man in black, The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
No Christmas Carol is complete without Scrooge's nephew, Fred (James Graham, who has two other roles), and Fred's wife, Mary (Paula Berkenstadt) who doubles as Scrooge's one-time fianceé). She makes a charming partner to both Fred and Scrooge.
Rounding out the cast are Lizette Kent Allen, James Steinberg, and Tim Waggoner.
The period costumes and versatile sets work well. The lighting design creates many playing areas, and the sound effects enhance the mood and location.
A Christmas Carol, the first on my schedule, is a well-produced and directed piece. I am certain that the minor glitches will disappear for the rest of the run. For a different take of the Christmas classic, one would do well to see this production. It's fun, albeit sometimes uneven, with inconsistent accents and a need for just one more tech rehearsal. Director Seaman includes some excellent music and choreographed bits that fit perfectly with the play. Bringing the action into the audience is brilliant, although I was a bit taken aback by a tombstone near my seat! In the spirit of the season I'll not say "Bah, humbug!"
