A Christmas Carol Continues to Enchant as it Celebrates 50 Years at the Guthrie Theater

Every year come November and December we are exposed to multiple version of of A Christmas Carol. From films to episodes of TV series that use it’s plot to stage productions. I’ll likely see at least three stage productions this season that are based off of it. This was the fourth production of the Guthrie’s latest adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol and also marks it’s 50th Production overall. I’ve seen all four years of this current incarnation which was adapted by Lavina Jadhwani and first performed in the 2021 season. This years production is directed by Addie Gorlin-Han based on the original direction by Guthrie Artistic Director Joseph Haj. After spending time with so many versions of this story year after year I’m amazed at it’s capacity to captivate me each time. There is something so enduring about Dickens tale of reflection and redemption, and its familiarity to audiences, which accounts for its adaptability. It’s core plot and themes can be seen in so many different works. Even that other mainstay of the holiday season It’s a Wonderful Life shares DNA with it. In it, we see George Bailey’s past, then his present, and then an alternate reality which is what the Ghost of Christmas Future shows Scrooge, a possible future, but one that may not come to pass. Like Scrooge who changes his ways and embraces life, George changes his mind deciding it’s better to live and we get a happy ending for all.

What struck me this year is how fresh the production felt and a lot of details or moments that I either didn’t remember or are new. Being the fourth year in a row, knowing it was the same adaptation with the same sets, I admit I did entertain the idea of giving it a skip this year. So glad I didn’t. Now I’ve reviewed nearly 200 productions since I last saw A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie last fall, so I struggle to remember last years in detail. Are the things I noticed this year new or have they just slipped my memory? This year it felt like there were some different songs and more choreography between scenes, but that may not be the case at all. There is a scene before the Ghost of Christmas Past visits when the ensemble is forming the hands of the clock on stage as the hour between Midnight and one A.M. passes. This struck me as a really creative touch from Choreographer Regina Peluso, but was it new this year? I don’t know. The only change I am certain of are those of casting. There are a lot of the same actors but many of them have changed roles this year. After years in the role of Bob Cratchit, John Catron has been promoted to Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. This was due to former Fred, Eric Sharp moving into the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past. It also led to Tyler Michaels King taking on the role of Bob Cratchit leaving his role as Collector 1 and Dick Wilkins. That in turn leads to the addition this year of Max Wojtanowicz to the cast in those vacated roles. It’s very interesting to notice the changes that each performer brings to the roles and how that subtle changes the play as a whole and giving it a breath of fresh air. The biggest cast change this year is the replacement of Matthew Saldivar, who was very good in the role, but always struck me as a little too young, with David Beach who feels very age appropriate, is fantastic.

The things that wowed me in previous production continue to do so now. The Ghost of Christmas Future portrayed by Nathan Huberty in a costume created by Toni-Leslie James is still effectively nightmarish and might give the very wee ones in the audience a genuine fright. The moment when the Ghost comes out of the darkness engulfed in fog to tower over a cowering Scrooge is truly a heart pounding moment. The set design by Matt Saunders in conjunction with the Lighting design by Yi Zhao manages to be both detailed and expressionistic. Sound Designer Mikaal Sulaiman and Musical Director Jason hansen also contribute greatly to the tone and atmosphere of the work whether through Composer Jane Shaw’s score, traditional Christmas carols, or well times sound effects. The one scene that has always been a head scratcher for me is when Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present observe the ship out at sea. I know it’s from the book, I know many adaptations include it, I understand there is a point to it. But it’s so short and requires elaborate, and very effective projection, a separate set piece that has to be built and wheeled on and off the stage. I wonder if what it brings to the show ultimately justifies that build out and expense.

If you’ve never seen A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie it’s something you are required by the State Constitution to do at least once if you’ve lived her more than five years. If you’ve seen it before, even this very adaptation, I promise you it rewards on multiple viewings. I think the cast changes do shift the whole piece enough that you are going to find it remarkably fresh and entertaining. A Christmas Carol runs through December 29th at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://www.guthrietheater.org/shows-and-tickets/a-christmas-carol/

Cast of A Christmas Carol Photo by Dan Norman