Everyone is familiar with this timeless story. Man is angry at the world; ghosts scare the Dickens out of man; man makes a 360 degree and changes his outlook on life. It was a book, a movie, a television production, and even a cartoon.
So I had my reservations about attending the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s version of A Christmas Carol on November 20. I mean, let’s face it. You can’t do anything else with it. In other words: "Seen that, done that." As it turned out, I was wrong.
From the beginning, the Rep made it clear that audience participation was crucial to this presentation of Carol. Prior to the performance, three groups of carolers performed 19th century holiday songs in the lobby, setting the mood as patrons looked on. This type of audience/cast participation continued throughout the entire evening.
Throughout the production, performers interacted with the audience, making them an integral part of the story itself. You became a guest at the Fezziwig Christmas Eve Party, you were welcomed into the Cratchit home, and you became part of the fun and games at Scrooge’s young nephew Fred’s Christmas Day gathering.
Gary Neal Johnson delivered a humorous and endearing performance as the unrelenting Scrooge, always claiming that money was the answer and never listening to his heart. Lyndsey Agron was hilarious as Saphonella Fezziwig, with a laugh that sounded like something short of a hyena.
Kathleen Warfel (Christmas Past), Jim Gall (Christmas Present) and Brad Shaw (Christmas Future) each offered a stellar performance. With a cast of over 50 performers I could not possibly name them all in this review. So I will simply say hats off to the other artists for their wonderful performances. It was a fantastic experience.
This is Linda Ade Brand’s eighth year directing this Carol at the Rep. Along with the team of John Ezell (Set Designer), Shane Rowse (Lighting Designer), John Story (Sound Designer), Mark Ferrell (Musical Director) and Jennifer Martin (Choreographer), these geniuses take full advantage of the space and acoustics offer within Spencer Theatre, making the production a success.
A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, runs through December 24 at the Spencer Theatre, located in the UMKC Performing Arts Center at 4949 Cherry Street. Tickets cost $27-$50 for adults and $18 for youths (18 and under). For additional information contact the Rep Box Office at (816) 235-2700 or visit http://www.kcrep.org.
Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College