REVIEW: Broadway’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
Photo: A Christmas Carol on Broadway stars Campbell Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo courtesy of Joan Marcus / Provided by Rubenstein with permission.
NEW YORK — Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has been a staple of pop culture for decades. Whether it’s movie adaptations, cartoons or theatrical shows, the 1843 ghost story about Ebenezer Scrooge is one of the most well-known tales in the world, coming to define the Christmas holiday and anyone who dares to be naughty (forever coined a “Scrooge” for their bah-humbug-ness).
Broadway is now home to another Christmas Carol, this one adapted by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and directed by Matthew Warchus (Matilda). The London import comes to the Lyceum Theatre courtesy of the Old Vic.
Campbell Scott plays Scrooge, a mean and miserly man who focuses only on his personal wealth and never on the greater good. One of the people under his control is Bob Cratchit (Dashiell Eaves), a hard worker who barely has a minute to be with his family on Christmas Eve and certainly no money to buy his children, including Tiny Tim (Sebastian Ortiz, alternating with Jai Ram Srinivasan), any gifts for the Christmas holiday.
Because of Scrooge’s unpleasantness, he is visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve, all with the intention of changing this Grinch’s heart. First, he’s visited by the ghost of his former partner, Marley (Chris Hoch), who notifies Scrooge that he is but the first of the spirits to come calling.
Marley makes good on his promise because his exit ushers in a trio of other apparitions: the Ghost of Christmas Past (Andrea Martin), the Ghost of Christmas Present (LaChanze) and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (a haunting look into the future). As each of these spirits visits him, Scrooge begins to break down his rough façade and see the error of his ways, but will he have enough time to save Christmas?
The tale is so popular that almost everyone knows its ins and outs, but what makes this adaptation so revelatory is the stagecraft that the hard-working company uses to bring Dickens’ world to life. For starters, as people take their seats at the Lyceum Theatre, where A Christmas Carol continues through Jan. 5, they are greeted by the cast members chucking clementines and Tate’s chocolate-chip cookies into the crowd. An on-stage band provides some carol music, and the holiday cheer is instantly achieved.
The actual play, which features many well-known Christmas carols, utilizes a simple set, designed by Rob Howell. There are hidden briefcases set into the recesses of the stage. Lanterns hang from the ceiling and are also held by most cast members, who bedecked in Dickensian top hats and long cloaks. Door jams ascend and descend, allowing houses and offices to be constructed and whisked away within seconds.
Then, there’s the feast. It would be too much of a spoiler alert to describe what Christmas dinner looks like in this Christmas Carol, but audiences should be prepared to take part in the preparing of the food.
It should not be that much of a surprise that this theatrical inventiveness comes courtesy of Thorne and Warchus, two of the most clever interpreters of theater working right now. Their previous productions of Harry Potter and Matilda are genuine spectacles that remind audiences how imagination can be tied to expert scenic design and thoughtful plotting, and A Christmas Carol follows in the same direction.
Scott is a gem as Scrooge. He finds the right balance of gruffness and sadness in his obstinate portrayal of the main character before the ghosts interrupt his life. When he finally captures a glimmer in his eye, his transformation feels believable and heartfelt.
LaChanze and Martin are wonderful additions to the cast (what a coup to employ two of Broadway’s best actors for this holiday engagement). They seem to be having so much fun on the Lyceum’s stage; ditto for the rest of the cast, who work hard to build this unmistakable sense of wonder.
A Christmas Carol is a fun, festive holiday treat that will hopefully become a regular tenant on Broadway for years to come.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
A Christmas Carol, adapted by Jack Thorne from Charles Dickens’ novella, is now playing Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre through Jan. 5. Directed by Matthew Warchus. Starring Campbell Scott, Andrea Martin and LaChanze. Click here for more information and tickets. Rating: 
