Review: A Christmas Carol – A Modern Take on a Classic Tale
In a bold reinterpretation of Charles Dickens’s timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” director Natalie Ibu brings a fresh perspective to the stage at Northern Stage. The production, based on Karen Louise Hebden’s adaptation first staged in 2003, introduces innovative touches that both dazzle and perplex audiences.
Colliding Worlds on Stage
From the moment the ensemble appears in modern puffer jackets and bobble hats, singing carols beneath a sign that reads “Fezziwicks,” the audience is transported into a world where traditional and contemporary elements collide. The clash of influences extends throughout the performance, creating a sense of fluidity in the period setting that is both captivating and disorienting.
Unconventional Choices
One of the most unconventional choices in Ibu’s production is the casting of Malik Ibheis in multiple roles, including Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. While Ibheis’s performance skills, such as aerial arts and stilt walking, are impressive, the decision to have him ventriloquise other actors’ voices can be jarring and detract from the overall experience.
Lost in the Shuffle
With a majority of the ensemble members switching roles throughout the show, individual characterizations often get lost in the shuffle. Moments where key characters disappear from view or perform with their backs to sections of the audience can create a disjointed experience for viewers trying to follow the narrative.
Despite these challenges, Michael Hodgson’s portrayal of Scrooge shines in the final scenes, bringing a sense of redemption and hope to the production. The reconciliation between Scrooge and his niece Frederica is a heartwarming highlight in a show that may have bitten off more than it can chew in terms of innovative ideas and elaborate staging.
In the end, “A Christmas Carol” at Northern Stage offers a modern take on a beloved holiday classic, with a mix of successes and shortcomings that will leave audiences pondering the true meaning of Christmas and second chances.
