KC Rep’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ draws strength from familiarity
We can agree that the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” is hardly pushing a political agenda, but it is tempting to view Ebenezer Scrooge as a member of the 1 percent while everyone else is part of the 99 percent.
Let’s just say the material’s political relevance — or lack thereof — can be pondered by theatergoers if they choose. But In Barbara Fields’ adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, Scrooge’s seismic spiritual transformation from cynical skinflint to lovable eccentric is really about the old guy’s gooey need for love.
This year’s edition of the Rep show — its 31st — is a sturdy reiteration of a local holiday ritual that draws strength from its familiarity. Director Kyle Hatley and his design team have continued to spice up the show, offering an impressive level of technical refinement. The lighting and projections design by Jeffrey Cady underscores the fact that “A Christmas Carol” is, after all, a ghost story and should be a little scary at times. When Scrooge first glimpses Jacob Marley’s ghost, the front door of his house seems to undulate before our eyes, and at odd moments you see fleeting images of spirits looming from the shadows.
John Story’s sound design also plays a more prominent role this year. When a character strikes a match to light a candle, the sound reverberates in an echo chamber. And at times Scrooge hears voices in his head, expressed as a sort of sound montage in variations of dialogue which point to Scrooge’s fundamental inner conflict — the warm, sometimes explosive unpredictability of love versus the cold logic of account books.
The show continues its use of a turntable, which frees John Ezell’s scenic design from the straitjacket it endured for almost 30 years. It allows dreamlike scene transitions that give the show a pronounced cinematic quality.
But, as usual, the actors are what really make it go. Gary Neal Johnson in inhabits the role of Scrooge seamlessly. You would think that after all these years an actor might be tempted to flip the automatic pilot switch, but Johnson seems as committed as ever.
Charles Fugate admirably reprises the role of Dickens. Mark Robbins delivers another vivid performance as Marley’s ghost. T.J. Chasteen as young Ebenezer and Vanessa Severo as Belle once again make their doomed romance convincing and passionate in a few quick strokes.
Walter Coppage seems a bit more playful as Cratchit this year and always brings an irresistible warmth to the character. Cheryl Weaver makes a memorable and sympathetic Mrs. Cratchit.
The spirits — Katie Kalahurka as the ethereal Ghost of Christmas Past and Jim Gall as the expansive Ghost of Christmas Present — make lively contributions, and Gall also delivers a tasty performance as Fezziwig. Filling out smaller roles are young actors and veterans, most of whom do exemplary work. Emily Peterson as Fan, Scrooge’s beloved sister; Kathleen Warfel as the Charwoman; Alan Boardman as Old Joe; Peggy Friesen as Mrs. Fezziwig and Jerry Jay Cranford as Topper all score with memorable moments.
A key sequence in this production has always been the full-cast performance of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and this year the number was better than I’ve ever heard it.
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/11/27/3288422/kc-reps-a-christmas-carol-draws.html#ixzz1fOl0Jutd