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Trinity’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ First-Rate

[CREDIT: Mark Turek] The ensemble cast of Trinity's "A Christmas Carol."

[CREDIT: Mark Turek] The ensemble cast of Trinity's "A Christmas Carol."
[CREDIT: Mark Turek] The ensemble cast of Trinity’s “A Christmas Carol.”
[CREDIT: Mark Turek] Stephen Thorne as Scrooge in Trinity's "A Christmas Carol."
[CREDIT: Mark Turek] Stephen Thorne as Scrooge in Trinity’s “A Christmas Carol.”
PROVIDENCE, RI — Trinity Repertory Company’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is handsomely mounted and features a first-rate group of performers. 

The show opened Nov. 6 and runs until the end of the year.

Longtime company member Stephen Thorne gives a nicely understated performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, the selfish curmudgeon who declines to help the poor and berates his long-suffering employee Bob Cratchit (a very likable Jeff Church). Scrooge lives in dreary isolation. His only valued relationship is with loyal maid Ms. Partlet (Alison Russo). 

Scrooge is perpetually angry and actively resists Christmas and anything to do with the holiday. One night, Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s long dead business partner, tells him of upcoming visits from three spirits.

Mauro Hantman, who played Scrooge in the 2023 production, is quietly terrifying as the chain-rattling phantom warns his friend about the threat of eternal damnation.

Mauro Hantman, who played Scrooge in the 2023 production, is quietly terrifying as the chain-rattling phantom warns his friend about the threat of eternal damnation.

Gillian Williams is ethereal as The Ghost of Christmas Past, who returns Scrooge to his younger years. There’s an exuberantly choreographed dance at a party thrown by his former boss Fezziwig (Taavon Gamble, also playing The Ghost of Christmas Present).

Scrooge is bitterly resentful toward his charming nephew Fred (Henry Nwaru) because Fred’s mother, who was Scrooge’s sister, died giving birth to him.

Fred invites Scrooge over to his home for Christmas dinner but Scrooge refuses, opting to spend the time alone.

Russo is wonderful as Belle, Scrooge’s girlfriend who could’ve been his wife if it wasn’t for his focus on making money. 

Meanwhile, the Cratchit family, despite their financial hardships, are getting into the holiday spirit. The youngest child, Tiny Tim (Elena Rose Taveras) walks with crutches and has serious health problems.

Co-directors Richard and Sharon Jenkins imaginatively direct the ensemble on Michael McGarty’s magnificent multi-level set.

Richard Cumming’s music is delightful and brings a sense of whimsy to the storytelling. Toni Spadafora-Sadler’s costume designs are dazzling.

‘A Christmas Carol’ Timeless Look at Human Failings

“A Christmas Carol” remains timeless because of its exploration of human failings and the possibility for redemption. This is more of a ghost story than a Christmas story. Scrooge is haunted by his past and realizes how his own behavior has impacted so many others’ lives. 

He becomes a better man by learning to open his heart and spreading kindness to others on Christmas. It’s an uplifting message and one for all of us to cherish.

A Christmas Carol runs through December 31. Trinity Repertory Company. 201 Washington St., Providence, RI. Runtime is 2 hours with intermission. For tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit www.trinityrep.com.

 

 

Joe Siegel
Author: Joe Siegel

Joe Siegel is a regular contributing writer for WarwickPost.com. His reporting has appeared in The Sun Chronicle in Attleboro and EDGE.

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