Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol has changed, but not for the better

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Theatre Calgary’s production of A Christmas Carol, has been a holiday tradition for a long time. It has been re-adapted and changed over the years. This year’s production, adapted by Geoffrey Simon Brown, still rings similar to past productions. It’s still the same story, with the same message at its core. But this year’s production is very different, in that there are only 4 artists on stage. These artist play various characters and need to fill the vast Maxbell Theatre and generally, the production is unsuccessful. Theatre Calgary’s production of A Christmas Carol feels rushed and stripped down. The magic of theatre and theatricality was lacking in this production, though the performances are strong.

This night’s cast was the Ivy cast, which consists of Mike Tan, Vanessa Leticia Jetté and Karen Johnson-Diamond. Tan’s Scrooge is surly and fitting to the traditional telling of Ebenezer. Tan transforms and throws himself into the role. Jetté is charming as the Ghost of Christmas Past and as Scrooge’s fiancée, Belle. Johnson-Diamond has primary roles as Marley’s ghost and the Ghost of Christmas Present. Her performance is versatile but her chosen accent for the Ghost of Christmas Present doesn’t last the full scene.

Scott Reid’s projection design is really simple, considering Reid can do really impressive work. The projection design doesn’t fill the stage as it should, when the play has been reduced to 3 actors. It should interact and fill the gaps, it should be it’s own character in the play. The set is also stripped down and doesn’t make use of the Maxbell’s rotating stage. Deitra Kalyn’s costume design is a bit confusing. None of the actors change between scenes, and if this is a time issue, the choice of costuming is awkward. Tan’s coat and trousers are fitting to the narrative, but Jetté is in a silver poncho and pinstripe pants that doesn’t seem to fit any of her characters. Johnson-Diamond is in baggy clothing that also seems like an odd choice.

All of these choices rest of the director Stafford Arima’s shoulders. There is no sense of fear or tension in this production. You don’t feel any fear of Marley, whose chains are supposed to echo in your head. You don’t feel any kind of sympathy towards Tiny Tim, and you cannot relate to Scrooge’s transformation. The Ghost of Christmas Future, the scariest of all the ghosts, is a sheet, that hangs on stage.

It’s a shame that this classic production, that had actors skating on fake ice on stage in past productions was reduced to this. The potential for amazement is there, but stripping away the artists on stage, the production value and the script makes for a disappointing night at the theatre.

Theatre Calgary’s production of A Christmas Carol runs until December 24th. More information is available online.

Photo Credit: Trudie Lee

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