Review: Holiday Spirit Overflows in Trinity Rep's 'Christmas Carol'

Two longtime colleagues and veteran company members at Trinity Repertory Company collaborate on a yearly tradition – the annual production of "A Christmas Carol" (nearly fifty years and counting!)

Those longtime colleagues are Stephen Thorne (director) and Mauro Hantman (Ebeneezer Scrooge). Both have been a part of Trinity's resident acting company for more than twenty years, and both inject a much-needed burst of fresh air into what could be a flat retread of the Dickens novel. Thorne adapts "Carol" with all the humor, pathos, musicality, and messages intact; Hantman's Scrooge is not only portrayed as a loud, curmudgeonly old man, but a man who's lost his way amongst his fellow humans.

Ebeneezer's journey is joined by a fascinating cast of old and new faces, including Richard Donnely, who's been appearing on local stages for over thirty years, and Phyllis Kay, another company member since '91. It's a delight to watch both. Kevin Patrick Martin (ensemble) returns after last season's "Sweeney Todd," and gives a memorable Bob Cratchit. New Trinity member Jackie Davis ("The Inheritance," "Radio Golf") gives a spirited portrayal in several roles, and Rodney Witherspoon's ("The Inheritance") appearance as Jacob Marley is a spectacle to behold.

Newcomers Alison Russo (Gamm's "An Octoroon") gets to show her considerable talent as Fred, Scrooge's niece (among other roles); and Sara States (a Brown/Trinity MFA student who understudied the Ghost of Christmas Past in last year's production) gives a sweet performance as Belle, Scrooge's lost love, as well as other roles in this ensemble. Thorne also makes the delightful choice to cast Jeff Church ("By the Queen," "Fairview") as Ghost of Christmas Past, and Taavon Gamble as Ghost of Christmas Present. Both are delightful, and each makes a splash in their own way. There's no absence of holiday cheer with Michael McGarty's set design, either. It's a theater in the round with a raised catwalk and stage at the center of the auditorium flanked by the audience.

The smaller roles are portrayed by alternate casts. This reviewer saw the "Red" cast with Luca Anderson as Tiny Tim, who clearly is relishing the role, and Lou Wechler as standouts amongst the children. All of the young actors are clearly enjoying such cheer, as Thorne's skillful direction makes this a spectacular outing for them.

But it's the entire company who are capturing the magic of this holiday classic, which unfolds at a snappy pace and, most tellingly, expresses Dickens' message that people can absolutely change, whether they wish to do it on their own or are forced to witness ghosts spell their faults out for them. This "Christmas Carol" should not be skipped over, and the holiday spirit is overflowing at Trinity Rep this time around.

"A Christmas Carol" is running through December 31st at Trinity Repertory Company 201 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903. For information or tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit www.trinityrep.com.