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| Kurt Beattie as Scrooge Photo: Chris Bennion - See more at: http://www.acttheatre.org/About/MediaRoom/ProductionPhotos/AChristmasCarol2013#sthash.FSVK3ccV.dpuf |
My emotional response to a simple bit of music and a
few props embarrassed me. Tears pooled in my eyes before the production of “A Christmas Carol” at ACT—A Contemporary Theatre in
Seattle even began. As I took my seat, traditional English
Christmas hymns moved me with the melodies and words I've heard all my life, and I stared at the scene of an street lamp with icicles, swirling snowflakes, and the drab sparseness of Ebenezer Scrooge’s office. Without the actors, it looked as empty and cold as Scrooge's heart seemed to be, yet “A Christmas Carol” is actually about warmth. It is about humanity’s
deep well of hope, love, goodness, and even joy, even in the bleakest of times.
“A Christmas Carol” opened at ACT on November 29 in ACT’s
Allen Arena and closes on December 29. Although you still have
about two weeks left to see it, many shows have already sold out. Hurry to get tickets
before you miss your chance. You will love the fine acting, the scenes, the
perfect period costumes and most of all, the timeless message that people
matter more than money and that the power of love changes everything.
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| Young cast members Photo: Chris Bennion - See more at: http://www.acttheatre.org/About/MediaRoom/ProductionPhotos/AChristmasCarol2013#sthash.3yw5j3Jc.dpuf |
For 38 years, the theater at 700 Union Street has
presented Charles Dicken’s classic tale of the mean and miserly Scrooge, his
employee Bob Cratchit (Justin Alley), and Cratchit’s impoverished but
loving family, including his crippled youngest son, Tiny Tim (Anna Ostrem). We have
all met the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to
Come. I can’t count the number of versions of this story I’ve seen on stage and
screen, but I had never actually seen ACT’s production and wondered how Gregory
A. Fall’s adaptation of the well-worn tale, directed by John Langs, could prove
to be much different. Trust me. It is.
On the night I attended, Artistic Director Kurt Beattie
starred as Scrooge, but he is alternating with Peter Crook in this role. Behind
Scrooge’s sharp tongue and bitter scowl hid a man who once knew love but did
not cherish it. We all sat spellbound and silent. I should say silent except
for two young children who for some reason burst into hysterical giggling
every time they heard “Bah, humbug!” (By the way, no children under the age of five may attend.)
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| Dancing photo of the Cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL Photo: Chris Bennion - See more at: http://www.acttheatre.org/About/MediaRoom/ProductionPhotos/AChristmasCarol2013#sthash.3yw5j3Jc.dpuf |
An audience made up of several generations shared moments
of tenderness, heartache, and humor while some of the best special effects I’ve
ever seen on stage gave the ghostly visitations realistic eeriness, using dramatic
lighting, mists, and props rising or descending through the stage floor. They
caused the little girl next to me to cuddle closer to her adult companion and hide her face in a sleeve.
Beattie’s talent as an actor is equaled by his talent
as a writer. His letter in the program, along with the words of Director John
Langs, could be two of the most touching and uplifting pieces of writing you
might read this season. I also enjoyed learning more about Charles Dickens in
an article in the program, such as how he hated many of the same social and economic injustices affecting the present time. The classic story has never felt so relevant.
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| Dancing photo of the Cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL Photo: Chris Bennion - See more at: http://www.acttheatre.org/About/MediaRoom/ProductionPhotos/AChristmasCarol2013#sthash.3yw5j3Jc.dpuf |
Ebenezer Scrooge teaches us a lesson about regret. Don’t
cause yourself any by missing “A Christmas Carol” at ACT. I missed it for 37 years, but I won't again. Go expecting to feel
uplifted, nostalgic, serene, and reminded of the strength of the
human spirit and the importance of kindness toward others. You might even find, in the shadows and mists, your own ghost of some Christmas Past.
For directions, parking, and other information, click here or call (206) 292-7676.
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