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Arcadia Weekly Dec 10, 2014
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A scene from Scrooge’s sad past: Geoff Elliott (Ebenezer Scrooge), Brendan Haley (Young Scrooge), Deborah Strang (Ghost of Christmas Past), Georgia Miller (Little Fan) – photo by Craig Schwartz
A Noise Within Delivers a Hearty Version of “A Christmas Carol”
“A Christmas Carol,” written in 1843 by great British wordsmith Charles Dickens, is the most adapted piece of literature in history. Or at least, that’s what we’ve heard.
And we’ve all certainly heard the name “Ebenezer Scrooge.” Synonymous with “Grinch,” and “miserable old miser,” Scrooge is famed for his “Bah, Humbug!” and hatred of Christmas. But that’s only the beginning of the story…
Watching the humble but loving Cratchit family: Alan Blumenfeld (Ghost of Christmas Present) and Geoff Elliott (Ebenezer Scrooge) with the Cast – photo by Craig Schwartz
For the third year running, A Noise Within—that absolutely fabulous repertory theatre company—presents to the public Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” ringing in the holiday season with scary stage effects, lively music and dancing, and superb acting that cuts to the heart of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemption.
The play, an intermissionless-90-minute affair, opens on a cold blue background and sparse trees. Bellboys stand silhouetted, ringing their holiday chimes. But! A hunched, limping figure appears, and snarls at them–with both grunts and gesture, he makes it clear that he’s certainly not going to celebrate. Darkness covers us; a new scene in a counting house is spun into place, and the Narrator (Freddy Douglas) steps in, introducing us to the miser Ebenezer Scrooge (Geoff Elliott).
We watch Scrooge–a grasping, greedy, selfish, tight-fisted “man of business”—rebuff all attempts at kindness from his good-hearted nephew Freddy (Rafael Goldstein), and a kindly couple attempting to collect money for the poor. But Scrooge is not so easily able to rebuff the terrifying spectre of Marley (Mitchell Edmonds), his seven-years-dead partner, who warns of three spirits who are to come visit Scrooge in the night. One by one the spirits come: a robust and cheerful Ghost of Christmas Past (Deborah Strang), a ten-foot-tall and jolly Ghost of Christmas Present (Alan Blumenfeld), and a dead silent and imposing Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. These three spirits take Scrooge on a journey that he cannot escape, and which the audience will never forget.
This is a very traditional take on “A Christmas Carol,” helped largely by the Narrator’s wonderfully sharp delivery of Dickens’ own words. Scrooge is absolute perfection: Geoff Elliott, who also co-directs and adapted the novel, embodies Scrooge in all his initial petulance and misery, which shifts to touching regret and pitifulness, and finally true joy and love for his fellow man. He even grew his own hair out for the role!
The ensemble cast is also strong, and included Stephen Rockwell (Bob Cratchit), Jill Hill (Mrs Cratchit), Alison Elliott (Belle), Dekyi Rongé (Fred’s wife), Sydney Berk (Martha Cratchit), Brendan Haley (Peter Cratchit), Jack Elliott, Marty Coha and Chize Ogbogu (Cratchit children), and Ikenna Ogbogu (Tiny Tim) in title roles.
The nostalgic London Christmas-time mood wouldn’t have been evoked without Scenic Design by Jeanine A Ringer, Lighting by Ken Booth, Costumes by Angela Balogh Calin, Hair/Wig/Makeup by Monica Lisa Sabedra and Val Miller or indeed the coaching of Dialect Coach Nike Doukas (everyone in the play sported wonderful British accents)!
“A Christmas Carol” was, and is, one of the greatest stories ever told. And this powerful performance by A Noise Within’s talented cast and crew is a must-see this holiday season.
A Noise Within is located at 3352 East Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107. Performances are Friday, Dec 12 at 8pm; Saturday, Dec 13 at 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, Dec 14 at 2pm; Wednesday, Dec 17 at 7:30pm; Friday, Dec 19 at 8pm; Saturday, Dec 20 at 2pm and 8pm; Sunday, Dec 21 at 2pm; Monday, Dec 22 at 2pm and 7:30pm; and Tuesday, Dec 23 at 7:30pm.
Tickets are from $48; Student rush with I.D. before performance only $20; Groups (10 or more) offer Adult from $25; Students from $18; Youth discount ages 17 and under $14 off regular price. Please see www.anoisewithin.org or call (626) 356-3100×1 for more information.
You’ve heard about seeing the “real” Santa Claus. Now, go see the “perfect” Scrooge at A Noise Within!
