“The whole is greater than the sum of the parts,” is a phrase attributed to the Greek philosopher Aristotle. Never is this more true than in the captivating, magical, and somewhat spooky production of A Christmas Carol, subtitled A Ghost Story of Christmas, at Hartford Stage. This is the 25th anniversary presentation of the Charles Dickens classic and, like fine wine, the show has aged with rich, smooth distinction.
Stuart Rider, Guiesseppe Jones and
members of the Youth Company in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of
Christmas. Photo by T. Charles Erickson. 
All the creative elements in
the production, are skillfully woven together by Director Michael Wilson, who
also adapted the Dickens story into this theatrical presentation. The work of the artistic contributors is
critical to the success of the show:
· Robert Wierzel’s Lighting Design dazzles with bright ghoulish colors illuminating characters and bathing the stage in stenciled patterns.
· John Gromada’s Sound Design and Original Music is a cacophony of aural eeriness, which includes loud claps of thunder, and the shrill whistle of a steam-powered clock.
· Tony Straiges’ Scenic Design, primarily of an elevated walkway, reminiscent of the Victorian era, also includes imaginative, playful props such as the tricycle of the Ghost of Christmas Past and the majestic thrown of Christmas Present.
· Hope Clark’s original choreography, reproduced by Derric Harris, is full of macabre dances by a deathly group of skeletons.
· Zack Brown’s Original Costume Design are sumptuously rendered, running the gamut from Victorian squalor to high society gowns to the whimsical and lavish attire by the Three Ghosts.
· ZFX, Inc. Flying Effects could be considered the star of the show as they have the character of Jacob Marley soar above the stage and to the rafters. His entrance through the stage floor is as theatrical as it gets.
For audience members unfamiliar with the story, a quick summary:
It is Christmas Eve and Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy, self-serving owner of a money house, despises the holiday. Bah, Humbug! he shouts. His unpleasant nature is directed at all, especially his overworked clerk, Bob Cratchit, who after much complaining, lets him take off Christmas Day.
Noble Shropshire and Guiesseppe
Jones in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas. Photo by
T. Charles Erickson. 
That night, at bedtime, he is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley. Dead for seven years, he is bound in chains, a tormented apparition from his life of miserliness. He tells Scrooge he will be visited by three spirits that night and can avoid his same fate by listening to these specters.
Noble Shropshire and Guiesseppe
Jones in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas. Photo by
T. Charles Erickson. 
The first spirit is the Ghost of Christmas Past, which fleshes out Scrooge’s past. We see scenes from his childhood, his close relationship with his sister, Fan, and his ill-fated romance with his fiancée, Belle. Angry and disconsolate, he is deposited back to his bedroom where the second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, awaits. Here, he is whisked to homes of people he knows who mock him, but also pray for his soul. It is at this point, he learns about Bob Cratchit’s very ill son, Tiny Tim. Without proper medical attention, the boy will die. With the Ghost of Christmas Future, Scrooge is shown scenes of heartbreak and dejection, including the passing of Tiny Tim. He vows to change his ways.
The Hartt School Company in A
Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas. Photo by T. Charles
Erickson. 
The next day, Christmas morning, Scrooge awakens a changed man. Gregarious, yet humbled by his experiences, he begins to make amends for his previous unscrupulous behavior, which includes spending time with his nephew, making generous donations to the poor, relieving those in his debt, and paying his employee, Bob Cratchit, a living wage.
The cast of A Christmas Carol: A
Ghost Story of Christmas. Photo by T. Charles Erickson. 
The large cast, directed with precision and aplomb by Michael Wilson, who has guided his work with a practiced eye through years, is a seasoned and entertaining group of performers. The notable performers are led by Guiesseppe Jones as Ebenezer Scrooge. The actor’s portrayal is more menacing than just being unkind, but it adds an enhanced dramatic element to the play. Noble Shropshire, who portrays both the flustered housemaid, Mrs. Dilbert, and the ghostly Jacob Marley, is an absolute marvel, providing sustained humor with the former, and chills and thrills with the later.
 |
Guiesseppe Jones and members of the Youth Company in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas. Photo by T. Charles Erickson. |
The three ghosts also play two roles each. Rebecka Jones is pleasing as Bettye Pidgeon, a street peddler of dolls, and sprightly as the Spirit of Christmas Past. Stuart Rider is satisfying as the cart vendor Bert, purveyor of fruits and nuts, and suitably regal as the Spirit of Christmas Present. Lastly, Daniel Madigan is fetching as the street merchant, Mr. Marvel, and downright spooky as the unspeaking Spirit of Christmas Future.
The cast of A Christmas Carol: A
Ghost Story of Christmas. Photo by T. Charles Erickson. 
A Christmas Carol, playing at Hartford Stage through December 28. Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.
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