By Manning Harris
fmanningh@gmail.com
We wish the Alliance Theatre a happy silver anniversary of their large, lush production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” running through Dec. 24. Yes, if the tickets aren’t gone, you could experience this fabled show on Christmas Eve; I’m sure it will be extra festive on that evening.
But then, the Alliance’s version of this classic story is pretty festive anytime. The big news this year is that we have a new Scrooge: the fine actor David de Vries is taking over for Chris Kayser, who played the role for 16 years. Comparisons are not only odious; they are pointless: Mr. Kayser was marvelous, but Mr. de Vries takes up the torch effortlessly and puts his own stamp on the role.
De Vries comments that at the start of the play Scrooge “doesn’t see people as human beings, but rather as transactional entities.” But he changes, and “to me, that’s the spirit of the show—the idea that it’s not too late for anyone.”
That’s an idea that human beings cling to, and very likely one of the keys to “A Christmas Carol’s” enduring appeal.
The old chestnut is quite robust, thank you, brimming with life and fun; yet it unstintingly observes that poverty exists and is no laughing matter. When you enter the theatre, there’s all this “stuff” piled high on both sides of the stage, metaphorically asking the question whether things are more important than people.
You know the story: Scrooge, miserly and miserable and determined to squash as many cheerful souls as possible—before his spectral visitations. But some souls don’t squash easily, such as Scrooge’s clerk Bob Cratchit (Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant), who maintains incredible cheerfulness in the face of much difficulty.
A welcome addition this year is the appearance of Andrew Benator as Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s business partner, before his (Marley’s) demise. Mr. Benator plays Marley with an uncanny, sinister stillness that is delightfully creepy. At one point he simply stands upstage and observes the goings-on, without moving a muscle. It’s like watching Dr. Lecter (from “The Silence of the Lambs”) watching you. Bravo, Mr. Benator. This is an actor who gets better and better—watch him.
As we said, “A Christmas Carol” is a huge production with a stage full of fine actors: Christy Baggett, Cynthia D. Barker, Lowrey Brown (a fine young Scrooge), Logan Denninghoff, Je Nie Fleming, Bart Hansard (who’s made Fezziwig his own), Joe Knezevich (always excellent—and the best voice on any Atlanta stage), Courtney Patterson, Elizabeth Diane Wells, and Laurie Williamson. And these are just the Equity actors. Young Jaden Robinson is not Equity, but he’s Tiny Tim—and impossibly winsome.
Rosemary Newcott directs; David H. Bell has adapted the story for the stage; the spectacular set design is by D Martyn Brookwalter. And there is flying (D2 Flying Effects)! There is also music, directed by Michael Fauss. This is the biggest show in town, with the possible exception of Atlanta Ballet’s “Nutcracker”; you can see both!
In the final analysis, it’s David de Vries’ evening; he’s onstage virtually the entire show. His Scrooge is funny, maddening, and ultimately all too human. Welcome, Mr. de Vries; long may you reign.
For tickets and information, visit alliancetheatre.org.
