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A Christmas Carol
Reviewed by Neal Weaver
A Noise Within
Through December 23
RECOMMENDED
Adapted and co-directed by Geoff Elliott with Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, this version of Charles Dickens immortal classic is a very busy show.
Perhaps in order to amplify the spectacle or goose up the action, Elliott utilizes the production’s large and enthusiastic ensemble at every possible opportunity, but their interruptions often seem more boisterous than enlightening or relevant. (A brief sequence in which the ensemble appears in brief bathing suits is particularly perplexing.) Otherwise, it’s a faithful adaptation, featuring a narrator (Freddy Douglas) who delivers some famous descriptive passages which might otherwise fall by the wayside.
This Scrooge (director Elliott) proves unexpectedly genial after his peppery first scene with his nephew Fred (Rafael Goldstein). He sometimes seems more like a bad-tempered but cute foxy grandpa than a mean-spirited old skinflint.
As the Ghost of Christmas Past, Deborah Strang wears a spectacularly ruffled white gown topped off by a top-hat. The Ghost of Christmas Present (Eric Curtis Johnson) towers over the action in a long robe bedizened with Christmas ornaments, and huddled beneath it are two children representing the poor and hungry of the world.
Stephen Rockwell is a self-effacing Bob Cratchit, and Jill Hill is a strong-minded Mrs. Cratchit. Tiny Tim is played by a sweet-faced Rigel Blue Pierce-English. And Mitchell Edmonds is an excellent Jacob Marley, though he’s sometimes almost overwhelmed by a huge and complicated costume. Music and interpolated songs are by Ego Plum, with able musical direction by DeReau K. Farrar. And the lavish costumes are by Angela Balogh Calin.
Despite some rather strange choices along the way, the Dickensian magic is cheerily invoked, culminating in a musical finale in which the cast assures us that “Christmas is glorious!” — which generates the requisite benevolence and Christmas spirit. That spirit is heightened further when the cast members circulate among the audience serving up cider.
A Noise Within, 3352 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena. Schedule varies. Check the website for specific times and dates. (626) 536-3100, ex. 1 or www.anoisewithin.org. Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission.
