A Christmas Carol at HCT 2019

I like to joke that I have seen Hale Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol so many times that I could stand in for any part! I have seen it so many times that I sometimes think I should probably skip a year. That is what I decided last year but at the beginning of December I started to feel sad that I would be missing it. I tried to buy tickets but there were absolutely none to be had! There was not even one available seat for any of the shows! I was devastated that I wouldn't get to see it but I learned my lesson! Traditions are important and you better believe that I got my ticket to this year's production months in advance! I went last night and I loved it more that I usually do. Hale's version of this classic tale about Ebeneezer Scrooge's redemption after visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future is so heartwarming that you just can't help but leave the theatre with a smile on your face and a giant dose of Christmas cheer! Some of the actors return year after year to the same role so it is like seeing an old friend on the stage. I have seen David Weekes as Scrooge and Adam Dietlein as Fred for many years and I always love their performances. It is also really fun to see someone new give a different interpretation of a character. This year was the first time seeing DRU as the Ghost of Christmas Present (he has played the role several times but, as the show is double cast, I have never gone on a night when he was performing) and I thought he was hilarious! I think my favorite aspect of Hale's production is the use of Christmas carols throughout (have I mentioned how much I love hearing Christmas music?). I especially love it when they sing "Bring a Torch Jeanette, Isabella" at the Fezziwig Christmas party! I also loved the song "Away in a Manger" this year because the family singing it had a real baby (and that baby already has a great stage presence because it was so well-behaved).  Because this show is now on the Jewel Box Stage (which is more traditional than the old stage) there were some new sets that I really liked because they had a very Victorian feel, especially Scrooge's counting house, Scrooge's bed chamber, and the rag and bottle shop.  I am so glad that I was able to see A Christmas Carol this year (every show is sold out again this year) because it just isn't Christmas without it.

Note:  Even though A Christmas Carol is sold out you can still get tickets to Seussical on the Main Stage (go here).  It was not really my cup of tea but children are sure to love it and it would be a really fun Christmas outing for families.