By Claire DeMarco
Charles Dickens wrote “The Christmas Carol” and the “The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain.” Cup-A-Jo’s unique adaptation cleverly combines these works with Charles Dickens (Everett Lowe) as an active participant.
Dickens is morose and mostly silent as he mourns the loss of his Sister (Joanna Lowe). When he does speak, it is with utmost sorrow. Sister remains in the background initially.
“The Christmas Carol” is introduced in the plot line as we meet those well-known characters – Scrooge (Dave Ranallo), Bob Cratchit and Student (Matt Henderson), Fred and Christmas Present (Casey Cunningham), Mrs. Cratchit (Sarah Deasy), Marley and Milly (Dani Danylo), Tiny Tim and William (Andrew Lasswell), Christmas Past and Belle (Amy Dick), Samantha Smith (Ensemble).
As “The Christmas Carol” proceeds the action moves into the world of “The Haunted Man’s Christmas Carol,” its premise unfolds but with the addition of Dickens once again part of the play.
Dickens’ grief mounts as he cries out for relief from his misery. He wants no more memories of anything unpleasant or sad.
His wish is granted from a surprising source. Now void of any unhappy memories, how does he deal with it? Is he finally happy?
Was it worth the transition?
Everett Lowe reaches the stratosphere as he takes Dickens from a melancholy, lethargic, bewildered character to an angry, volatile, emotional high.
Joanna Lowe’s performance is powerful. She is strong and supportive in her interaction with Dickens. Especially moving is her singing duet with Everett Lowe.
Never failing to impress, Henderson plays several different characters. As Bob Cratchit, he is submissive, cowed and mild. As Student he exudes confidence. His facial expressions are exceptional.
Ranallo has a range of emotion, carrying him from an old meany to a repentant human being.
Cunningham’s good will and kindness towards Scrooge (with a spot-on English accent), never wavers, in spite of Scrooge’s attitude.
Danylo is forceful as Marley’s ghost, urging Scrooge to seek redemption.
Deasy portrays Mrs. Cratchit as the supportive wife, but not a Scrooge fan (but who is?).
Nice job by Dick who plays both Christmas Past and Belle, William’s wife.
Marcus Muzopappa is believable as Philip, the frail but feisty 87-year-old.
As a devoted servant, Lasswell is obedient and quiet. He easily changes into a formidable, authoritative son in exchanges with his elderly father.
Smith as part of the ensemble, participates effectively throughout the production.
Hats off to the entire cast, most playing multiple roles in this production.
Note: The title of this review is a line from a creation by Kirstin Tarquini.
Adapting two of Dickens’ stories is a clever way of including the author in his own works. It’s a unique and clever presentation of two of Dickens’ works.
The set is simplistic. Members of the cast interact either from the circumference of the stage or move into the center to indicate scene changes or action. Instead of moving tables or chairs onto the stage, actors physically bend into shapes that become tables and/or chairs that other actors gingerly sit on.
Cup-A-Jo has been away from theater productions for several years. Welcome back! We’ve missed you!
“The Haunted Man’s Christmas Carol” was adapted from the works of Charles Dickens and written for the stage and directed by Joanna Lowe.
-CED
“The Haunted Man’s Christmas Carol” is a production of Cup-A-Jo Productions. Performances run from November 8th – November 23rd at the Studio at the Carnegie Library of Carnegie, PA. Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie, PA 15106. For more information, click here.
I totally agree except to add that the venue is delightfully intimate.