There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor

By VERONIQUE DUPREY
A Seat on the Aisle

The Christmas season has arrived in Indiana. The sure sign? Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol started its traditional run at the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT). And what a glorious tradition it is!

I hadn’t seen it for several years, but I remembered the story, of course: the miser Scrooge, hard on his employee Cratchit (father of Tiny Tim) and everyone else, particularly hates Christmas and all the merriment and demands for charity it brings; he is visited by three ghosts who show him visions of his past, present and future; and – spoiler – he is transformed into a better man.

Somehow, I had forgotten many of the details of this adaptation by Tom Haas, which has been performed every year at the IRT since 1996. Before the first words were uttered, I was enthralled by the fully open snowy stage, and the lighting and music set the mood for a magical time. As the actors strolled in, I was in awe once again at the beautiful period costumes, designed by Linda Pisano, always a highlight of IRT productions.

This is very much an ensemble piece, with every actor (except Scrooge) effortlessly playing multiple roles as members of the poor but loving Cratchit family, other villagers, and persons of different time frames, as well as narrating the story. There was, in fact, more narration than I recalled, with a few superfluous narrative sentences describing the action we could see taking place, a storytelling technique perhaps directed to the younger audience members. Also of note, actors and set pieces cleverly appeared via trapdoors in the floor throughout, reinforcing the magical nature of it all.

It was a pleasure to see veteran IRT actors Rob Johansen (as Scrooge) and Ryan Artzberger (as Bob Cratchit, Marley, and others) again, in nuanced and earnest performances, showing their love of this story they have been telling for many years. Sean Blake as Fezziwig stood out for his charisma, the children (Weezie Chavers and Juniper O’Meara-Gaines this day) delighted in their innocence, and the whole cast impressed with their vocal skills in several songs, with intricate harmonies. Though some movements of Christmas Past distracted from the moment, overall the ghostly appearances effectively conveyed the solemnity and magic taking place.

Rob Johansen (left) as Scrooge with Ryan Artzberger as Marley. (Photo by Zach Rosing)

In her directing debut at the IRT, Cara Hinh managed the difficult task of recreating a classic and making its wonder appealing to new audiences.

Bottom line: I highly recommend you take your family to see this seasoned group of excellent actors in a heartfelt, gorgeous rendition of the perfect story to put you in the Christmas spirit; remember anew that change is possible, that fellow humans deserve compassion, and that love and family are far more valuable than material possessions. God bless us, every one.

Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol runs through Dec. 24 at the theater’s home at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Tickets and further information can be found at irtlive.com or by calling (317) 635-5252.

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