Theatre Review

Artists' Exchange production of 'A Christmas Carol' captures spirit of classic tale

Alex Viscusi
Posted 12/23/14

If you’re looking to spend a wintry afternoon or evening curled up in a cozy theater with friends and family, then you want to see the Artists’ Exchange peroduction of “A Christmas Carol” at …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in
Theatre Review

Artists' Exchange production of 'A Christmas Carol' captures spirit of classic tale

Posted

If you’re looking to spend a wintry afternoon or evening curled up in a cozy theater with friends and family, then you want to see the Artists’ Exchange peroduction of “A Christmas Carol” at the Park Theatre next year.

Those taking in the performance were immediately transported to Charles Dickens’ dark and humorous atmosphere as the choir, made up of local children, sang carols and Ebenezer Scrooge ushered them away with his classic “Bah, humbug!”

The play clocked in around one hour and 15 minutes and still managed to show Scrooge’s transition from a cantankerous, selfish man into a giving, joyous soul. Of course, this is all because of the acting of Roger Lemelin, who played Scrooge, and the direction of Alex Duckworth, in conjunction with the talented and hard-working ensemble.

In the spirit of Dickens’ work, the play included all the original language, which illustrated how rather funny the story can be. Credit goes to Lemelin, who played Scrooge in a more lighthearted manner than is typical. This allowed the audience to really hear the funny nuances in the text.

Occasionally the language was jumbled, most likely because of early nerves, but once adjustments were made by the actors and they became more comfortable the language became more clear.

The three spirits carried the play along well, each one connecting with the audience and adding energy. The real jolt is when Jacob Marley emerges from the wings; Geoff White did an excellent job of portraying the character’s desperation.

The ensemble, an impressive group of children, teenagers and adults, knew what they were doing and never a missed cue or a flubbed line.

The Artists’ Exchange is only growing better and better with each class and performance. While the 2014 performances ended on Dec. 20, hopefully it will become a tradition in Cranston. It certainly deserves to be.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here