Reviewer: Howard Steven Frydman aka “The Howard”
Production: A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas
Theater: The Hartford Stage
Playwright: Charles Dickens
Director: Michael Wilson
The Howard Says – A Christmas Carol – True Holiday Bliss
….and where did we leave off- yes- it’s three years later and folks as you can tell, like a child finding a new bike under the Christmas tree, I am in “true holiday bliss” with the return of “The Howards” ALL-TIME favorite holiday production of “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas” taking place at the esteemed Hartford Stage. And listen to this my friends, its directed by the one – the only – Michael Wilson who adapted the play from Charles Dicken’s famed holiday novel!! OMG – what a gift to behold – this production is truly a “Marvel of Holiday Craftsmanship” – from acting, production, lights, costumes, and direction, Huzzah!!! Folks, I am truly as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy, I am as giddy as a schickered man who once again is able to see this oh so cherished classic holiday celebration. So? What are you waiting for- I’m inviting you to join me at the Hartford Stage!!
Firstly, two observations. One, for those “Whovians” out there (fans of the BBC’s Dr. Who) we take note of the similarities between Dr. Who and those former and current actors’ portrayals of Ebenezer Scrooge. Dr. Who, as you may know, usually goes through a regeneration and new incarnation during the Christmas Season, transformation from one Doctor to another “Time Lord” traveling in his Tardis (Police Call Box). And just like the rejuvenated Dr. Who’s transformation over the years, we have traversed from our original Scrooge, Bill Raymond’s comical, impish “Humminah, Humminah”, to the stoic juggler depiction of Michael Preston, and onward to our current “Ebenezer” Allen Gilmore – WOWIE HOWIE- what a transformation!!! Mr. Gilmore’s portrayal is Bold, Strong, Powerful, Inspired- yet still performed with a glint and a wink of the eye playfulness. At plays end, we along with an invigorated audience shedding a wayward tear as we are ALL transformed by our three visiting “spirits”.
Our second observation- that would be the notability of Mr. Noble Shropshire. Noble steals the show, hands down, at every turn and provides a “WOW” moment from his joyous wink and smile as Mrs. Dilber, be it receiving a new feather duster or receiving a thunderous applaud as he takes flight center stage as the “Ghost of Marley” with his chains all a flutter. Mr. Shropshire is greatness personified – an amazing actor providing a “tour deforce” presentation. More on the cast in a bit!
The Hartford Stage theater is filled to capacity for this early December matinee- the chatter is electric. Here I sit in one of my favorite seats circa section D, Row 7. We happily take note that there are a gathering of “Fan Fans”, “Scrooge-ettes” and dotty “Dilber-doos” in attendance, The “heaven sent” clock is set to 7pm with its motto inscribed – “Dieu et mon Droit – “God and my Right” and by the grace of God- we await those spirits and the commencement of our two hour sojourn to Victorian London and our rendezvous with that lovable scalawag, Ebenezer Scrooge, and a most enthusiastic reunion with a trio of holiday spirits be it past, present or future – and my dear friends – our blight spirits are reborn!
A great cast is worth repeating- firstly I should not call them a cast but a family-a family who have grown up together throughout the years most notably producer/director actor Mr. Erik Bloomquist, who as a youth portrayed “Tiny Tim” and now portrays “Scrooge at 30 and Fred”. Erik, I am very proud of your accomplishments. We are so pleased to see our friend Robert Hannon Davis in the role of Second Solicitor. Speaking of family- our dear friend, Johanna Morrison, the original Bettye Pidgeon/Spirit of Christmas Past, can be heard throughout the production via her work as the Dialect and Voice Coach. Our current leads includes the “always marvelous” Vanessa R Butler as Fred’s Wife/Belle, Ryan Garbayo as Bob Cratchit, the enchanting Rebecka Jones as Bettye Pigeon/Spirit of Christmas Past, Sarah Killough as Mrs. Fezziwig/Fred’s Sister in Law, Hero Marguerite as Mrs. Cratchit, Mauricio Miranda as Mr. Marvel, the stellar John-Andrew Morrison as Bert / Spirit of Christmas Present, and Stuart Rider as First Solicitor/Mr. Fezziwig. And finally, for all you “Fan-Fans”- Emma Billings and Norah Girard portray the coveted role of the one and only- “Fan” with Calin “Cali” Butterfield and Aria Pierce as “Tiny Tim” Cratchit.
I am additionally so proud of “The Hartt School Ensemble” group of young actors in training who portray many of the Victorian supporting roles in A.C.C. – everything from party guests to those lovable spirited ghosts you see dancing and flying above the audience. The Hartt School/Hartford Stage “Partnership in Training” offers a unique alliance of an undergraduate acting conservatory program with a respected professional theater. With their high energy, enthusiasm and budding talent – these young folks are indeed a major reason why this production of “A Christmas Carol” is so captivating and prized by all. We delight in seeing these student actors share their talents- acting, singing, dancing along with a welcoming audience, and are indeed honored to bear witness to our future stars of Broadway, television, music and more!
To these future stars, I thank you for the wonderful opportunity to see you at the start of your careers and rightly state you all have achieved the coveted “The Howard Noticed You Award” including: Sudan Chang, Sophie Friedl, Kendall Grenolds, Halle Jacobson, Audrey Kawecki, AJ Masiello, Riley Means, Declan Smith, and Carson Timmons. There are also two Hartt student Assistant Directors on the production: Emma DeWitt and Helaina Ross.
We give high praise to Director Michael Wilson- he makes us ALL believe again in the “true spirit of Christmas” with a few flying ghosts thrown into the mix. Through Michael’s eyes, vision and creativity- we have personally come to know this brilliant, highly emotional, adaptation of Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol” as a “must-see” during the holidays with family and friends. At plays end, I overheard a wayward child sitting behind me, who had been noisily eating potato chips throughout the second act exclaim, “Is he Santa Claus now”? Yes, my young friend, we along with Scrooge are all indeed transformed from when we first sat down this day. Once again you will believe that miracles are possible, that blithe spirits of past, present and future can actually turn those with “Hum-Bug-itis” into believers of the wonders of Christmas, -especially with a little help of the elixir of life. Let me tell you- within two hours, we are all truly transformed as well by our new Scrooge- Mr. Allen Gilmore – he is a great joy to behold in his transformation from old Scrooge to a sentimental softie – truly inspirational!
Once again, I urge all who delight in the true essence of the holidays to bring their family and friends to this extraordinary production of Hartford Stage’s annual holiday presentation of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story”. Both memorable and heartfelt- it will leave you wiping away a wayward tear at plays end – and that my friends is a good thing! Wishing all a very Merry Yuletide and a Happy Turning of the Calendar. Enjoy!
A Christmas Carol will run Friday, November 24 through Sunday, December 24, 2023. All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Matinees on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for A Christmas Carol start at $30. Discounts are available for students and groups. Groups wanting to create a special occasion out of their visit can reserve a private space at the theater to enjoy a reception before or after the performance. Email boxoffice@hartfordstage.org for more information about pricing and availability.
Howard Steven Frydman is General Manager and Executive Director of BATV – Channels 5, 95 & 96 and a member of the CCC. Please feel free to contact Mr. Frydman with your thoughts and ideas at TheHoward24@gmail.com.
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