[CREDIT: Mark Turek] Anne Scurria as Ebenezer Scrooge, Alex LeBlanc as company, Hannah Spacone as the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Tobias Wilson as company, during Trinity's production of 'A Christmas Carol' at PPAC.

[CREDIT: Mark Turek] The ensemble cast on multiple levels during Trinity's production of 'A Christmas Carol' at PPAC. — [CREDIT: Mark Turek] The ensemble cast on multiple levels during Trinity’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at PPAC.

PROVIDENCE, RI — Trinity Repertory Company’s production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, now being presented at the Providence Performing Arts Center, is a bit of a disappointment.

Unfortunately, PPAC is not the ideal venue for “A Christmas Carol.” The reason why last year’s production worked so well was because it was staged in a more intimate setting. Trinity Rep. is currently in the midst of extensive renovations, necessitating the move to a different place.

At the Nov. 29 performance, technical problems caused the show to be paused, then restarted from the beginning. Audience members applauded when the announcement was made that PPAC wanted to provide the best possible theatrical experience, before the show began a second time.

Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” tells a story about redemption and how a person can overcome their greed and selfishness to find true happiness again.

Anne Scurria is Ebenezer Scrooge, the stingy businessman who ignores pleas for charitable donations for the poor, berates his long-suffering employee Bob Cratchit (Katsuto Sakogashira), and lives in dreary isolation. Scrooge’s only close relationship is with his loyal butler Mr. Dilber (Alex LeBlanc).

Scrooge is perpetually angry and actively resists the spirit of the holiday season. One night, he has some surprise guests who take him on a journey through his past, the present, and the future.

Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s long dead business partner, emerges from the underside of Scrooge’s bedroom floor, accompanied by a contingent of the undead.

Mauro Hantman, who played Scrooge in the 2023 production, makes for a magnificent Marley as he warns his friend about the punishments which await unless he changes his ways.

Mauro Hantman, who played Scrooge in the 2023 production, makes for a magnificent Marley as he warns his friend about the punishments which await unless he changes his ways. The makeup and sound and lighting effects all work to create a foreboding mood.

Unfortunately, director Tatyana-Marie Carlo is unable to generate the drama and raw emotions from the characters impacted by Scrooge’s cruelty. The storytelling is so routine and by the numbers. It’s all rather dull.

Scurria, a Trinity Rep. veteran, is always compelling as Scrooge slowly transforms from a grump to a generous and optimistic person. It’s a solid performance.

Hannah Spacone appears as The Ghost of Christmas Past, who shows Scrooge the childhood innocence he left behind. Scrooge and Marley used to work for Fezziwig (Taavon Gamble), a kind man with respect for his employees.

Scrooge holds resentment toward his charming nephew Fred (Tobias Wilson) 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.

‘Christmas Carol’ Drama Delegated

The Cratchits are looking forward to Christmas with joy and love, despite their financial hardships. The youngest child, Tiny Tim (Nicholas Shay) has severe health issues. Bob harbors no malice toward his boss despite Scrooge’s less than pleasant disposition.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Annmarie Kelly) shows Scrooge the tragic fate of Tiny Tim. What should be an utterly devastating moment for the Cratchits is stripped of all the drama. The actors don’t provide the pathos needed for such a major event in their lives.

Instead, the production substitutes music and songs to convey the tragedy and inhumanity of Scrooge. A children’s choir even appears at one point. It comes across as desperately contrived.

There are also references to Rhode Island and Providence in the dialogue, as well as a joke about the “bridge to East Providence.” That got a laugh, but it has nothing to do with Scrooge or “A Christmas Carol.”

I should note the sound design, costumes, and makeup effects are all first-rate. This is a great looking show. The actors climb stairs on a multi-level platform which stretches across the PPAC stage. Lots of dry ice fog also adds to the other-worldly atmosphere of certain scenes.

But when is all said and done, there’s just a feeling that something is missing.

A Christmas Carol runs through December 4, then resumes performances Dec. 26-29. Trinity Repertory Company at the Providence Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit www.trinityrep.com.

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.

This is a test