Toronto Review - 'A Christmas Carol' at Soup Can Theatre
David Rabjohn, Associate Toronto Critic
Published in 1843 just before Christmas, Charles Dickens’ masterpiece has caught the public imagination for generations. This uniquely staged version running now at the William Campbell Museum in Toronto is worthy of the “Inimitable.” Staged in various rooms of the original 1822 mansion, the audience travels with the cast from scene to scene up and down stairs variously standing, sitting, and always entertained. Just the fact that the setting is from the same era as the story is fascinating enough – set in the midst of Toronto’s legal district and used as a debating hall for judicial matters makes Dickens’ story of social justice even more relevant.
As we enter the first room, Bob Cratchit (Nicholas Soy Santillo) is already working at his desk and we are immediately immersed in the story. A sombre violinist sets a mournful mood until Scrooge bolts through the room to his desk without even a nod to his harried clerk. We meet Jacob Marley who immediately takes the role of narrator, host, and guide. This decision by director Sarah Thorpe pays immediate dividends as the ghostly moralist brings his story and that of Scrooge closer together and immerses the audience even further into the story. Played brilliantly by Marcel Dragonieri, Jacob is the conventional ghost – pale, ragged, and staggering under the weight of his ill-woven chains. However, Mr. Dragonieri displays a humourous side to this character as he guides us from room to room increasingly frustrated that the audience can’t seem to anticipate his muted instructions. His eyes scan and limbs point while his face comically suggests “come on!”
Scrooge, played by Thomas Gough, is the conventional miser that has been played for generations. Mr. Gough uses his darting eyes and quick staccato movements to develop his meanness and intimidation. His interaction with his nephew(Tayves Fiddis) is compelling as they both display stubborn pride. Many moments of silent resolution highlight some of the tense moments of the story. These pregnant pauses, usually initiated by Scrooge, give weight and seriousness to the more caustic moments.
The dark themes of penury and poverty are relieved, at times, by some bright scenes of party goers and clever choreography. The Fezziwig party scene is hilariously raucous, highlighted by a brilliant jig – Old Nick’s Brew – written by Justin Haigh and music director Pratik Gandhi. This then folds into a tender moment between young Ebenezer (Michael Hogan) and his erstwhile fiancée played movingly by Heather Marie Annis.
The three ghosts are played with creative distinction. Justine Christensen’s ghost of Christmas past is played with quiet energy and dignity. The ghost of Christmas present (Kat Letwin) is played with an entertaining vigour that she also uses to energize various other characters. Heather Marie Annis plays the frightful ghost of the future with Darth Vadar-like quiet respiration.
Some final tableaus of the Cratchit family begin with the radiance of a simple Christmas and move to the anguish of society’s ills. These touching measures elevate the production and make us forget that we are a twenty-first century audience bumping around various small rooms. A hostess (out of character) unnecessarily interjected with audience instructions throughout the play – the intrusiveness took away from the theatrical magic. As was mentioned, just leave the job to the droll Jacob Marley and all would work fine.
This inventive production closely follows the storied work of Charles Dickens, with a few unique adjustments to add just enough freshness. Appropriate for a family audience, it is a great new way to get into the Christmas spirit(s.)
A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens
Runs to December 24 at The William Campbell Museum
Adaptation by Justin Haigh
Production Team - Sarah Thorpe, Director; Pratik Gandhi, Music Director; Wendel Wray, Production Manager
Cast – Thomas Gough, Scrooge. Heather Marie Annis, Belle. Jim Armstrong, Fezziwig. Marcel Gragonieri, Jacob Marley. Kat Letwin, Ghost of Christmas Present. Nicholas Koy Santillo, Bob Cratchit.
Tickets at ChristmasCarolTO.com.
Photo of Cast Members by Laura Dittman, Photo & Video