By GLENN DOBBS
A Seat on the Aisle
At this moment, theaters – both professional and amateur across the country – are gearing up for their annual presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This production stands as a reliable guarantee of a successful show, and numerous theaters depend on it to meet their budgetary requirements. In fact, statistics tells us that the average American has seen this show in one form or another at least five to 10 times! That is a remarkable impact for a 182-year-old story.
So it is that Indiana Repertory Company (IRT) once again presents the well-known tale as part of its annual holiday tradition – this year directed by Cara Hinh, with costumes by Linda Pisano, and set design by Russell Metheny. I have never seen IRT’s version of the production but I have seen many others.
This production features a gifted ensemble cast of only 13 people playing all the roles. There can be as many as 23 in some productions.
Rob Johansen as Scrooge with Ryan Artzberger as Marley. (Photo by Zach Rosing)
The show is helmed by local acting legend Rob Johansen in the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge. This is Mr. Johansen’s fifth outing as Scrooge. He brings a familiarity and gravitas to the character that anchors the show. He ably displays the venom of Scrooge in the early part of the show, but shows the underlying pathos that lies as the cause of his bitterness. Scrooge at his core is a lonely, hurt man who only knows hate for the world. It takes the spirit of Christmas to open his eyes to the love available to him.
The rest of the supporting cast is very strong. They have a difficult job in having to double in multiple different roles and serve as the principle narrators to the story.
I particularly enjoyed the work of Hernán Angulo in the role of Bob Cratchit (and many others). Mr. Angulo makes his debut here at IRT with great success. His empathetic portrayal of a good man trying to provide for his family under the whip of a cruel task master is believable. To endure such pressure and still maintain an optimistic view of the world is a herculean task. Mr Angulo makes me believe it is possible and that inspires hope.
Other performers that stood out to me include Ryan Artzberger as a ferocious Jacob Marley balanced with a lovable Fezziweg among other roles, and Cleo Berry who was by far the biggest scene stealer in the production. His role as the Ghost of Christmas Present is worth the trip to the theater alone. What fun!
Young Miss Sofia Perlaza was adorable as Tiny Tim. Her “God Bless us Everyone” line pulled the heartstrings with the perfect notes. Well done.
All of the ensemble are terrific but also presented a bit of a challenge to follow. They played so many different roles without much, if any, costume changes, that it was at times a challenge to determine who was who. If I did not know the story so well, I could easily imagine getting lost.
In my view, added to this problem was the choice of scene design. I understand the desire of Directors and Scenic Designers to bring something new to an old tale. The choice of a snowy hill that one might sled on as the only backdrop was too austere for my taste. Some small set pieces were brought on from time to time to denote a place and clever use of trap doors helped. However, because the story is set in a grimy corner of 19th century London, I missed the atmospherics of a set that would evoke that feeling. Since the cast also performs without accents, I missed the opportunity to experience a more immersive presentation. (This opinion I realize is an aesthetic choice and others may differ.)
No matter, the story works. It has for nearly two centuries and the cast received an appropriate standing ovation at the end. Despite my often-cynical nature during the holidays, I found myself moved by the performance. I have confidence you will be too.
It is remarkable how much this old story changed our modern Christmas traditions. A Christmas Carol redefined Christmas from a quiet religious observance into a universal celebration of kindness, family, and generosity – the emotional blueprint for how much of the Western world still celebrates the holiday today.
Bottom line: A solid, reliable, and thoroughly enjoyable telling of a classic story. I recommend everyone see the show even if you think you already know the tale. I assure you it will foster a holiday mood in you.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol continues its run at the Indiana Repertory Theatre through Dec. 24. Tickets can be obtained at irtlive.com/shows-and-events/events/a-christmas-carol-3.
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