Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson
Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol at McCarter Theatre is a Princeton tradition. David Thompson’s adaptation directed by Michael Unger is full of emotions. Ebeneezer Scrooge’s life is shown from a young boy to an older man, but not in chronological order. The audience discovers how he developed into a bitter man, and after seeing his past, present, and future, sees how he changes back to a kind person.
Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson
The stage transforms into several sets right before your eyes, including the town square, Marly & Scrooge, Ebennezer’s home, Fezziwig’s, young Ebeneezer’s school, and the Cratchit’s home. It is definitely the most elaborate production at McCarter. The details in the sets and costumes add to its authenticity.
There are also some magical elements. A character will disappear into a wall or through a floor, fly, or sprinkle “fairy dust”. Objects fall off a case and pop out of a trunk, plus there are a few other enchanting moments. Kids will be bewildered and adults will be fascinated by the special effects.
The ensemble is wonderful, and Graeme Malcolm is outstanding as the lead. The local children add innocence and are very professional. At least six of the adult cast members are returning to the production, with Malcolm in his role for over a decade.
This Broadway quality production entertains all and is appropriate for the entire family. I encourage you to see this production of A Christmas Carol, whether it be for the first time or the 10th. The runtime is about two hours with one intermission, and you can see it until December 28th. A must-see!
Can you believe that Bhavana and I have never attended an event at the McCarter Theatre?
That’s hard to believe. I thought you went often. You absolutely must get tickets for one of the 2015 performances!
My has been on stage crew at Montgomery Upper Middle School and Montgomery High school for years. I guess we get to watch plays and musicals that way. 🙂
I’m more of a movie theatre than a live performance person. I can immerse myself in the experience of the characters in a movie because there are no break, no intermission, no waiting while props change. Live theatre interrupts my immersion and hence I am aware that what I am watching is “pretend”. Doesn’t work for me.
Bhavana seems to enjoy it and Shaan likes the production aspects.
I guess it’s the same part of me that prefers Isaac Asimov and Bruce Sterling to Shakespeare and Charlotte Bronte.