A Christmas Carol is back
at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. This holiday tradition is an audience
favorite for a reason. New this year, Priscilla Lindsay directs and brings so
much humor into the show with playful moments between the cast members.
The set and plot are
familiar but there are always unique elements. It feels like a well-oiled
machine (in a good way) with a quick pace, smooth changes between the scenes,
and a cast that’s wonderfully in synch. The chorus of actors narrating the
story in Dickens’ own words works so well. I loved seeing the addition of a
shadow show that helps flesh out Scrooge’s childhood scenes and adds joy to a
sometimes bleak moment. Ryan Artzberger plays Bob Cratchit and his sweet
interactions with Tiny Tim add a tender layer to the show and make the child’s
fate all the more poignant.
The costumes are
absolutely lovely and including mannequins on the stage for quick coat changes
worked well. I loved the displays on the second floor of the lobby which allow
patrons to touch materials used and see how certain set pieces were created. It
makes it such a fun immersive experience, especially for kids.
Each section of the play,
past present, and future have a different atmosphere. Whether it’s nostalgia,
embarrassment, regret, dread, or hope, the shift in tone is handled so well.
Rob Johansen’s transformation as Scrooge is night and day.
The production is
recommended for fourth graders and older. I took a second grader who had lots
of questions but loved it. The ghost of Christmas future is perfectly creepy,
but not nearly as scary as some years.
Photos Courtesy of the Indiana Repertory Theatre
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