Charles Dickens’s most beloved story returns to the stage in the Westport Country Playhouse’s second annual offering of “A Christmas Carol.” This classic holiday tale chronicles the nocturnal adventure of Ebenezer Scrooge, as the three spirits of Christmas inspire him to recognize the true meaning of Christmas.
Tazewell Thompson, artistic director for WCP and adaptor/director of both Carol productions, plans to make Dickens’s story a yearly holiday tradition at the Westport Country Playhouse.
“As a child, my grandmother, gave me Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Hans Christian Anderson and Dickens,” said Thompson. “What I most enjoyed about Dickens’s writing was that he took me on great storytelling journeys, and he portrayed bold, edgy, idiosyncratic characters who were very lively and colorful. His work showed me a great panorama of mankind.”
Regular patrons of the Westport Country Playhouse will be happy to see that the majority of last year’s cast have returned to reprise their roles. Actors include numerous members of local theater organizations as well as Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Among the returning actors in this year’s production are Wynn Harmon, returning as the cynical Scrooge, and the adorable Luke Sauer, returning as Tiny Tim.
Similar to last year, the stage is set with several mobile props and light effects. Costumes are a bit simpler and less extravagant in comparison to the previous production, which complements the economic hardships of the Victorian era but still emulates bright holiday décor.
Having seen the production last year, I think this season’s adaptation is far better and truer to the Victorian time period. First-time exhibitioners will no doubt enjoy the whimsical air of traditional English fare as they listen to countless songs and carols, such as “Christmas is Coming” and “Carol of the Bells.” The children in this production will pull at your heartstrings with their innocence of character and the vastness of talent.
A” Christmas Carol” will run until Dec. 29 with afternoon and evening performances. Ticket and season information is also available here.
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