Many of the popular holiday stories and films that circulate around this time of year center on renewal and redemption, following individuals and communities on their path to rediscover the importance of generosity and love. Most—probably all—of these stories would not exist without A Christmas Carol. This year, Virginia Rep is celebrating holiday traditions with a production of Charles Dickens’ classic work adapted and directed by Rick Hammerly. Virginia Rep’s production is funny, joyous, and festive, while also embracing the source material’s hard edges and ghostly terrors.
This show is truly a treat for the eyes. The visual style is cartoony and whimsical in a way that enhances the exaggerated atmosphere of Dickens’ parable. It feels big and theatrical and fun, with effects like smoke and larger-than-life figures that move in unexpected ways. There are beautiful costumes, group numbers with high-energy dance sequences, and performances of traditional Christmas carols. Virginia Rep’s production of A Christmas Carol is a wonderful spectacle that tells this iconic story with confidence and features bells and whistles to delight viewers of all ages.
Festive Fun with a Haunting Edge
Mixed in with the celebratory spirit of the play is an examination of Scrooge’s failings through the eyes of the three (well, four) visiting ghosts, which is humorous at times and legitimately intense at others. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation into a more compassionate person is simple and straightforward. The ghosts encourage him to reframe his understanding of different people and experiences, at times by reflecting on his own words. This production does not minimize the dark parts of the story. As the Ghost of Christmas Past and Ghost of Christmas Present, Kylee Márquez-Downie and Dorothy Dee-D. Miller perfectly balance the spirits’ joviality with the seriousness of their task. In certain moments, they respond to Scrooge with icy contempt, reminding the audience that they are both powerful and dissatisfied with him despite their cheerfulness. Other aspects of the production also embrace the ghost story side of A Christmas Carol, including the fun, creepy lighting and sound elements during ghost scenes and the terrifying stature of the final ghost.
This production boasts strong performances all around. Minor characters are memorable and fun. Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit (played by David Janosik and Katrinah Carol Lewis, respectively) are especially great, imbuing the story with genuine emotion and sharpening its focus on economic hardship. Tiny Tim is adorable. Thomas Adrian Simpson is an entertaining Scrooge whose physicality conveys Scrooge’s precise emotional state along each step of his transformation. His face contorts into Larry David-like apprehension as he’s faced with each trial, brows furrowed and mouth wide open. His exaggerated looseness in the final scenes is perfect, making clear how completely his demeanor has changed. Simpson’s booming Scrooge voice and emotional extremes suit the character and story well.
Stunning Stage Design that Lifts Dickens’ Victorian Ghost Story Off the Page
Daniel Conway’s scenic design in this production is really special. The moving clock elements are impressive and visually arresting. I was completely charmed by Scrooge’s wonky, gear-heavy work contraptions and by the gorgeous backdrop of imposing London buildings and gates. The painted sky had a warm, magical quality, and if there hadn’t been so much to look at onstage, I likely would have gotten distracted several times by the shining moon. Some scenes rely on a few added pieces of furniture or props to define a new setting, and the way people move pieces on and off the stage makes it feel like a storybook—like flipping through the pages brings new characters into play. I love diegetic lighting, and combined with other effective choices from lighting designer Joe Doran, the twinkling lights from different onstage sources were both comforting and mysterious. The visual richness on display was thrilling and made the production feel especially otherworldly and celebratory.
Virginia Rep’s A Christmas Carol is an enjoyable way to spend a winter afternoon with family and get into the holiday spirit. It’s a visually exciting and faithful interpretation of Dickens’ well-loved work. Virginia Rep’s team is firing on all cylinders, offering an adaptation full of fun performances and phenomenal stage design. The production is two hours, including the intermission, and it moves at a quick pace—I was surprised at the start of intermission that so much time had already passed. If you love big, theatrical elements and a story with a moral and a happy ending, this show is well worth your time.
A Christmas Carol runs through December 28 at Virginia Rep’s November Theatre. The show is recommended for children ages seven and up. Tickets and more information here.
