“A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens and adapted for the stage by Geoff Elliott, follows Ebenezer Scrooge whom is a wealthy, but uptight man who lacks even the slightest ounce of Christmas spirit, or giving tone. Due to his reserved nature, an old companion comes back from the grave to save Scrooge from the fate he lives in now. A journey begins, led by Christmas past present and future, to teach Scrooge a lesson of charity and love during the season of generosity and compassion. 

This journey through the life and times of Ebenezer Scrooge (Geoff Elliott) begins with a narrator presenting the story as it is acted out onstage. Scrooge enters into his business where Mr. Cratchit (Stephen Rockwell) works diligently on Christmas Eve, eagerly awaiting the end of the day and the opportunity to be with his family. Multiple carolers and charity workers visit the shop and are shunned by Scrooge’s mean hearted spirit towards Christmas and any form of giving.

On his return home he is visited by his former partner Jacob Marley (Mitchell Edmonds), baring the chains of his past deeds, in hopes that Scrooge may change his ways with the guidance of three ghosts. The Ghost of Christmas Past (Deborah Strang) presents to Scrooge his past actions and deeds while the Ghost of Christmas Present (Alan Blumenfeld) shows how the family and workers of Scrooge are spending the day, and finally, the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come displays the fatal fate that is to come to Scrooge if he continues on his path. With this motivation, he actively changes his ways and becomes a beacon of Christmas joy for the town and of course, for the sickly son of Mr. Cratchit, Tiny Tim (Ikenna Ogbodu).

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The traditional story of “A Christmas Carol” struggles to keep its poignancy and significance in this modern production concept, created by the co-directors Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliot. Geoff Elliott and Deborah Strang are no strangers to lead roles at A Noise Within and perhaps the comfort they and the rest of the company feel, led the production to its comfortable mediocrity. Scrooge walks into the story with the physical embodiment of a tired and settled older gentleman but then swallows every line said. While most of the lines were lost, most of the story was also lost in this rendition that contains three original songs. These songs, though catchy, simply repeat the scene they come after with the same exact lines thereby giving nothing to the progression of the story, and instead drawing out the scenes to great lengths.

Certain visual aspects also hinder the production such as the abrasive projections and the difficult to maneuver ten foot contraption the Ghost of Christmas Present was on. That being said, the stars of the show are surely the talented ensemble members and the overall cast for their obvious ability and capability to connect to one another while presenting this timeless tale of Christmas joy for the town and of course, for the sickly son of Mr. Cratchit, Tiny Tim (Ikenna Ogbodu).

Amongst the forces that push Scrooge to give into the Christmas spirit is his nephew Fred (Rafael Goldstein) who sticks out as the actor who keeps the audience involved and interested. Acting as Fred as well as in ensemble parts, supporting roles, and Scrooge’s younger self, Rafael continuously gives into the witty and fun story that is “A Christmas Carol." In terms of connecting to one another, Geoff and Deborah do wonderful work as Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present. They are obviously both actors whom have become well versed in their field and work well together. 

Another highlight of the production is its visual qualities. The cast uses some very unique artistic forms that have the potential to be beautiful beyond belief. The extensive use of chains during the Marley scene, along with the green hues truly brings out the mystery of the scene in an oddly stunning. One is able to view the great change of Scrooge through lights from the dark and morose tones to the bright and joyous colors of the final song ‘Glorious’, thanks to lighting designer Ken Booth.

The massive costume for the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come (designed by Angela Balogh Calin) is beautiful in its earthly significance and works perfectly with the daunting demeanor of the character. The redeeming qualities definitely demonstrate the talent and potential that the group carries, but did not use in this production.

Adapting a classic story is always a difficult task, and though the company of A Noise Within does amazing work throughout this season, and in every other season, this production falls short. During this Christmas season, if you would like to see a have a fun night with a story that you know then by all means attend this production of "A Christmas Carol," but promptly after, buy tickets for another show there to see the truly amazing work that A Noise Within can do. Call me a Scrooge if you will, but I say, “God bless us, everyone” who went to go see “A Christmas Carol”.

“A Christmas Carol” is playing at A Noise Within (3352 East Foothill Blvd, Pasadena) through December 23. Tickets are $20-$50. For more information visit ANoiseWithin.org

Contact Contributor David Delgado here

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