BWW Reviews: A Spooky Adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Orlando Shakes

It's the holiday season again and while it seems A CHRISTMAS CAROL is performed every year there are always variations that set each production apart. This year Orlando Shakes' Jim Helsinger adapted the classic Dickens tale bringing a fresh take on a well known story. Do not expect a simple retelling of the tale. Instead, this is a much darker and spookier version that makes great use of stage craft.

What's different about Jim Helsinger's A CHRISTMAS CAROL is not the underlying plot, but rather what he chooses to focus on. There is a heavier emphasis on the visitation of the three Christmas Spirits and less on the Cratchit family. As always Ebenezer Scrooge begins the story as a bitter and greedy man. He is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge to change his ways before it's too late.

The spookiest scene by far is the Marley visitation. Rising from the bowels of the stage, Paul Bernardo as Marley is covered in chains. He's clearly troubled and moans through his monologue. The stage becomes filled with fog and the sounds of the dead trapped in purgatory fill the theater from all around. The effect sends chills up the spine. There's something about turning the reverberation up on a microphone that lends itself to a natural ghostly sound.

To add some additional holiday elements, this version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL features a plethora of different holiday songs dropped in at various points throughout the show. Most of the songs are sung acapella with impressive harmonies and pitches. I almost expected nothing less with Steve MacKinnon as the Musical Director/Composer.

Many of the actors remain on stage for a long period of time. They go through minor costume changes using various hats, shawls, coats, etc. stashed away in attic furniture. The set is a cluttered attic, but there are pieces that move and so many things to sit on and interact with that it's not a far stretch to image a wintery London scene. My favorite prop by far is Christmas Future. Without spoiling it too much, imagine a real life Harry Potter Dementor.

As Scrooge, Steven Patterson has the BAH! Humbug line down. He's gives off enough elderly miser that you actually feel bad for him. Patterson has one of those faces that with a touch of facial hair can perform a range of emotions. His character transformation from bitter Scrooge to grateful Scrooge is filled with different emotions that all audience members can relate.

Tiny Tim is played by the adorable Parker Sims-Chin. Sometimes I wondered if the was more of a prop than child as the other actors would carry him and toss him around because he is so small. For a very young actor, Sims-Chin is very mature in his line delivery. His "God Bless Us Everyone!" is so cute that the audience can't resist applauding it.

If you're getting tired of the traditional Christmas festivities, the Orlando Shakes' production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL will definitely spice up your holiday. You'll leave feeling like Directed by Michael Carleton, A CHRISTMAS CAROL runs at Orlando Shakespeare Theater now through December 28th. This adaptation is definitely not Mickey's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, so it is recommended for audience members 8 years old and up. For tickets and more information visit www.orlandoshakes.org.

Photo credit: Tony Firriolo

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