Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at McCarter Theatre is a Brilliant Production of the Timeless Classic

"There's more to life than money."

By Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol

'Tis the season to be merry and there's no better way than gathering friends and family to enjoy the best in entertainment. McCarter Theatre is now presenting Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, wonderfully directed by Adam Immerwahr. We had the pleasure of attending a weekend matinee show and the audience was absolutely wowed by the production.

The familiar holiday story is taken to new heights at the Princeton theatre with a fabulous cast, elaborate staging, and many clever touches. The timeless tale of redemption and renewal tells of Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who prizes work and wealth above all else. As he embarks on a mystical journey with spirits from his past, present and future, he sees the error of his ways and experiences true revelations. When his eyes are opened to the qualities of love, loyalty and compassion, he changes his stingy, grouchy behavior and becomes very benevolent and thoughtful to all the people around him. The show is filled with engaging scenes that include the sudden appearance of the Ghost of Jacob Marley in Scrooge's home; Fezziwig's Christmas party; the family scene in Bob Cratchit's home; Scrooge's unexpected visit to his nephew on Christmas day, and so many more.

The accomplished cast has impressive Broadway and regional credits. The company is lead by Greg Wood who completly masters the role of Scrooge. The troupe also includes the talents of Paul Deo Jr. as Young Marley/Doorknocker/Ghost of Christmas; Zeke Edmonds as Future Young Scrooge/Solicitor Matthew; Billy Finn as Fred/Undertaker/Dance Captain; Sharina Martin as Mrs. Cratchit; Anne L. Nathan as
Mrs. Fezziwig/Lady Char/Laundress; Steven Rattazzi as Mr. Fezziwig/Solicitor David; Jon Norman Schneider as Bob Cratchit; Sue Jin Song as Mrs. Dilber
Lily/Belle; Kristin Villanueva as Lily/Belle; and Frank X as Old Marley/Old Joe. This talented cast captures the excitement, the drama and the humor of Charles Dickens classic.

We love that McCarter Theatre has a Community Ensemble and Young Ensemble that greet theatergoers when they enter the theatre, round out the cast, and add to the show's exciting, festive moments. The Community Ensemble includes Carolyn Anzuini, Rocco Barbera and Madison Russell, Amy Blair, Maria Palombo, Sapphire Srigley, Sherice Brown, Frank Caroselli, Jane Ericksen, Michael Karnaukh and Elias Malavet, Peter Newes, Rodney Genwright, Karen Jones, Juan Ortiz, Tara Parkman, Tristan Takacs, Shan Williams II, Andrew James Gordon, Domonique Jarrett, Andrea Kristensen, Leah Senseney, Adam Thomas Smith, and Ken Weingartner of Hightstown, NJ. In addition, two Community Ensemble members play major roles for this production. They include Adele Batchelder as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Tess Ammerman returns to the stage as Fan/Miss Kate.

The Young Ensemble has twelve local children that include Uriah Amacker, Brielle Rowell, Ethan Chang, Camille Grove, Romy Johnson, Julianna Pallacan, Marin Pallacan, Sam Roman, Zahra Lohoue, Alexander Perez Alicianna Rodriguez, and Vyshakh Thejaswi.

The Creative Team has done an exceptional job of bringing A Christmas Carol to life on the stage. The show features David Thompson's adaptation with music by the late Michael Friedman. The choreography is by Lorin Latarro; set design by Daniel Ostling; costumes by Linda Cho; lighting by Lap Chi Chu; sound design by Darron L West; wig design by Carissa Thorlakson; and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick. New to the production this year is Musical Director Cris Frisco; Jessica Bedford as Associate Director; Greer Gisy as Choreography Supervisor; and Susan Finch as Dialect Coach. The Casting Director is Calleri Casting; the Stage Manager is Alison Cote; and Supervising Stage Manager is Cheryl Mintz.

A Christmas Carol is a tale that delights people of all ages and expresses the true spirit of the holiday season. Get your tickets and enjoy McCarter Theatre's exceptional production.

A Christmas Carol runs for two hours with one 15-minute intermission. It will be performed through December 29 in the Matthews Theatre of McCarter Theatre Center. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now online at https://www.mccarter.org/, by phone at (609) 258-2787, or in person at the McCarter Ticket Office, located at 91 University Place in Princeton.

Photo Credit: Mark Garvin

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