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Regional Reviews: Phoenix A Christmas Carol
All the major plot points are firmly in place in Michael Grady and Matthew Wiener's adaptation, from Scrooge's frosty encounters with his nephew Fred and the charity collectors to his horrible treatment of his employee Bob Cratchit and the night Scrooge is visited by ghosts on Christmas Eve. The ghost of his deceased business partner Jacob Marley delivers a dire warning that leads Scrooge through visits to the past, present, and future, each vision revealing the cost of his choices and the loneliness he has built around himself as a way to see the errors of his past and to find redemption. The script introduces several original touches that manage to honor the familiar story while providing new surprises, such as opening at Jacob Marley's funeral and leaping ahead seven years to Scrooge's present-day cynicism. Mrs. Cratchit, the wife of Scrooge's overworked and underpaid clerk, is incorporated more prominently into the story, and the adaptation also weaves smaller characters into a few musical numbers which gives the piece an added sense of community and emotional warmth. However, the added humor occasionally borders on farce or British pantomime, which may not sit well for Dickens' purists, though it does manage to provide a lighter tone which helps balance the serious moments in the story. While the score by Alan Ruch is mostly serviceable, there are a few solid numbers. These thoughtful shifts and additions make the production inviting for newcomers while offering unexpected delights for those who know the story inside and out. Wiener's direction maintains a strong rhythm and emotional clarity, guiding the story with a confident hand with staging that whisks us from one location to the next and from the past to the future; the creative elements enhance these narrative shifts beautifully. Stephen Gifford's set is impressive, using several moving pieces and a large and always present clock-face motif, along with the imaginative video designs of Nathan W. Scheuer that quickly establish both the realistic settings and the ghostly environs. The impressive lighting by Jared Sayeg helps to define each supernatural visit, from the soft glow of Christmas Past to the vibrant colors of Christmas Present and the dark domains of Christmas yet to be. Maci Hosler's costumes are richly detailed and period appropriate, adding color, texture, and vibrancy. The entire cast bring real heart to their roles. As Scrooge, Rusty Ferracane offers a textured performance, capturing both bitterness and vulnerability. By the time Scrooge is confronted with the bleakness of what lies ahead, his transformation into a man eager to embrace kindness feels fully earned in Ferracane's fleshed out portrayal. It is a clever touch that Scrooge rarely sings until his redemption, which makes his eventual musical expression feel genuinely uplifting. Bob Cratchit is played with sincerity and steady optimism by Matravius Avent. Jane Bunting is simply lovely as Mrs. Cratchit, and her expanded role anchors several emotional moments which adds depth to the Cratchit family dynamic. Eddie Maldonado's Marley is portrayed with chilling conviction, delivering a performance full of urgency. Johanna Carlisle-Zepeda's Ghost of Christmas Past is gentle, fun, and ethereal, while the Ghost of Christmas Present radiates warmth and generosity in Geoff Belliston's rich portrayal. As Scrooge's earnest nephew Fred, Kendrick Stallings provides buoyant energy, and the entire ensemble deliver gorgeous vocals and energetic dance moves throughout. A lovely bonus in the show is the trio for the Miner, the Nurse, and the Helmsman, whose harmonies create one of the most beautiful musical highlights in the score due to the superb musical performances by Teddy Ladley, Trisha Ditsworth, and Connor Dunning. The pairing of "What Child Is This?" with "Silent Night" is another standout, led by Bunting and rich with gorgeous vocal blending from the entire cast that enhances the show's emotional resonance under Kevin Robert White's stirring music direction; the 11-piece orchestra sounds fantastic playing Craig Bohmler's sweeping orchestrations. With its strong direction, compelling performances, and thoughtful revisions to the beloved story, Phoenix Theatre Company's production of A Christmas Carol offers a heartfelt and engaging holiday experience. It pays tribute to Dickens' beloved story of redemption while offering fresh ways to illuminate its message of compassion, generosity, and second chances. A Christmas Carol runs through December 28, 2025, at The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please visit phoenixtheatre.com or call 602-254-2151. Direction: Matthew Wiener Cast: (in alphabetical order) *Members of Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors & stage managers in the U.S. |
