INTERVIEW: Classic ‘Christmas Carol’ is set anew in present-day Harlem
Photo: A Christmas Carol in Harlem stars Emery Jones and Anthony Vaughn Merchant. Photo courtesy of Jill Jones / Provided by GOGO PR with permission.
A Christmas Carol in Harlem is a family-friendly holiday treat that reimagines the classic Charles Dickens story and relocated it to present-day Harlem, New York. The work, which is currently in a production from the Classical Theatre of Harlem, was adapted by accomplished writer and dramaturg Shawn René Graham.
Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III and choreographed by Tiffany Rea-Fisher, the show includes original music paired with traditional Christmas carols. There are some hip-hop and soul songs, and the characters have been reinterpreted in order for them to fit the updating of the play’s action.
Ebenezer Scrooge (Anthony Vaughn Merchant) is a real estate mogul who has made his wealth at the expense of others and refuses to give back to his local Harlem community. Themes of social inequality, affordable healthcare and gentrification are present throughout the new text.
Performances of the production continue through Dec. 8 at City College Center for the Arts’ Aaron Davis Hall. Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged email with Graham about her adaptation of Dickens’ story. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can audiences expect from A Christmas Carol in Harlem?
A Christmas Carol in Harlem is very much rooted in the 1843 Dickens text, but it is a contemporary take. It will be a very visual-oriented staging, with shadows, songs and surprises. My hope is that the Harlem setting will bring up warm memories for the Harlem longtime residents and give newcomers a glimpse into how the community has changed. It is a production that is still riddled with humor, whimsy and a lot of soul, so people should come prepared to be a part of the conversation. In other words, holler back if you feel like it.
Does the show touch upon some important themes and issues that are facing Harlem and New York City in 2018?
Housing costs remain one of the most pressing issues for all New York City residents, and gentrification in Harlem has rapidly changed who is able to live in the community. I wanted to introduce this issue in the play. Scrooge is a real estate mogul groomed by Marley, but their relationship emphasizes how marginalized groups are always at the mercy of how property is being sold and rented. The practice of redlining, inflating rents and temporary rental housing is how residents have been displaced for decades. The other most pressing issue in the play is healthcare and who can afford it. There is a strong argument for universal healthcare. All in all, access to housing and proper medical care would lighten the load for most people in the United States.
Although the story of ghosts can be frightening to some children, will this production be for all ages?
This production is very family friendly, and I think children will find our ghosts to be a lot of fun. Plus, there are young people in the production that young kids will be able to relate to.
How long and complicated was the rehearsal process?
Our rehearsal process was three weeks, and for such a large cast, that is a bit of a short time period. Actors are also doubling up on roles, so each rehearsal is very full. Almost every person is also a part of an ensemble choir at some point, so music rehearsal was also a part of each day. Lastly, there is also a company of dancers, so much time also has to be committed to incorporating them into the show.
How is music be infused into the production?
There is a mixture of original carols, hip-hop and old school soul, but this is not a musical in the traditional sense. I wanted to use music as time stamps in a way, so the audience will have an idea of what decade we are in as we follow Scrooge through the past, present and future. We have [been] incorporating musical sounds that will no doubt feel familiar to many people and, hopefully, make people want to get up, dance and join the party.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
A Christmas Carol in Harlem, a production of the Classical Theatre of Harlem, continues through Dec. 8 at the City College Center for the Arts in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
