by Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi

Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ is by far the most performed Yuletide story. The allegory of redemption, in the name of envisioning a brotherhood of man, never ceases to have a beguiling charm.

This year, New York’s The Players Theatre has enacted the Victorian novella, through Literally Alive Productions, thanks to Brenda Bell’s direction and Michael Sgourous supervision of the musical numbers. Twelve songs (seems appropriate for the Twelve Days of Christmas time of year) intertwine with the touching British story, giving new life to the tale that captures the true spirit and magic of the holiday season.

The entire cast has performed with energy, enthusiasm and a touch of irony these timely characters. Audiences may experience this exquisite theatrical experience in the West Village, from December 1st until the 30th, and see how Grumpy old miser Ebenezer Scrooge finds a second chance to become a loving, generous, kind human being through the aid of four ghosts who visit him in turn one Christmas Eve, each teaching him valuable lessons.

Dickens’ words will echo in each spectator's heart, while leaving the theatre, saluted by the very actors themselves, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

“Bah, Humbug” to those who disagree!

Related Images: