As a holiday gift to its hometown, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater has invested more than $1 million in revamping its traditional holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Much of the cash went into hiring a set designer and costumer with Broadway credits, and in the process of translating their vision to the stage. The money was well spent. The New Yorkers (in conjunction with dozens of local and regional theater artisans) have created an enchanting and authentic look for this production.
Before launching into details about the production itself, it must be noted that the Rep's million-dollar "gift" is part of the company's year-long celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary. This is the 28th year the Rep has produced Milwaukee's A Christmas Carol. As usual, the show is being stage in its traditional home, Milwaukee's historic Pabst Theater. This restored Victorian showpiece fairly gleams in its gold and deep red opulence. A better setting for A Christmas Carol cannot be imagined, and the Rep enhances the space by positioning costumed members of A Christmas Carol's ensemble in the lobby before and after the show.
In addition to glorious new sets and costumes, the script and staging also have undergone some slight tinkering. Frequent interludes of music and dance are an added plus, infusing the production with a feeling of joy. The script changes, though minor, serve to strengthen the overall production. In his fourth annual appearance as Scrooge, Johnathan Gillard Daly is now onstage for basically the entire production. Daly rises to this challenge with grace, wit, talent and fortitude. He is a formidable presence throughout the evening. His "transformation" to a kind-hearted, Christmas-loving fella is projected so subtlety throughout the play that the eventual shift seems more believable. There's also a stellar supporting cast. The large company prohibits individual mention but, briefly, some of the more noteworthy performances include Brian Vaughn as Scrooge's amusing nephew, Fred; William Dick as a jovial Bob Cratchit; Jonathan Smoots in a number of roles, including Scrooge's late partner, Marley; and Amy Montgomery as Belle, Scrooge's long lost love.
Michael Daly and Laura Gordon make an ideal pair as the playful Fezziwigs. However, Libya Pugh's portrayal as Mrs. Cratchit is disappointingly timid. A more seasoned actress would have brought out the varied nuances in Mrs. Cratchit's character. Another quibble is the mundane way in which the mystical Christmas spirits appear and exit the stage. Although technical effects shouldn't frighten the bejeebers out the younger kids, the current walk-ons are not nearly as dramatic as the spectacular appearances enjoyed in past productions.
Milwaukee's A Christmas Carol has always been a must-see production for theatergoers. This year's version, which considerably raises the bar in terms of production standards, should satisfy even the most sophisticated audiences.
