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A Dickens of a Christmas in Kansas City

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“Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it: and Scrooge’s name was good upon ’Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to. Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.”

Thus begins one of the best-loved works in all of literature and one of Christmas’ most beloved traditions. Include a bit of Dickens in your Christmas celebrations this year.

Dickens Performances

The story originated across the pond, but Kansas City pays homage with celebrations of A Christmas Carol and tributes to Charles Dickens all month long.

Kansas City Repertory Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol

One of Kansas City's most magical and wonderful holiday traditions is A Christmas Carol, this year celebrating more than 30 years on the Kansas City Repertory Theatre’s stage. I have many fond memories of attending the production in my youth, and now it is a joy to share the timeless tale with my children. For members of the audience it seems the theater truly becomes 1843 London, and the cast are the living embodiment of the characters they portray. Having read Dickens' book almost every Advent for more than 20 years, I am always amazed and impressed at the ability of the Rep's stars to bring the characters so accurately to life. Topping the list is Ebenezer Scrooge himself, portrayed by Gary Neal Johnson, who has been pronouncing "Bah, Humbug!" for audiences in the star role for more than a decade. Johnson's miserly portrayal is spot-on, as if Scrooge escapes directly from the pages of the book onto the stage. The rest of the casting is equally excellent, from Bob Cratchit to the four ghosts (Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future) who weave their magic beautifully through the tale.

Every year, the Rep strives to improve the production...which is admittedly challenging with such a familiar story to tell and a reputation for telling it with excellence. In recent years, the set and stage were redesigned with a marvelous staging of London using rotating staircases to depict indoor and outdoor scenes from different perspectives without interrupting the play for scene changes. The music is beautiful, and the accompaniment of the harp is an extra special element of the show. Likewise, the costuming has been perfected over the years. My favorite, the Ghost of Christmas Present, delights audiences as he becomes a giant right before their eyes.

Watching the play is much like enjoying a cup of hot cider on a cold winter's day...it is warm, delicious, and a touch surprising. The story is, after all, a ghost story, and there are many haunting and spooky elements as old Scrooge is transformed by the poignant, sad, and still often humorous lessons taught by the ghosts. What is especially charming is the way the moral of the story unfolds without preaching, without lecture, but through the beautiful transformation of a villain into a caring, compassionate, generous and sympathetic human being.

This is one holiday tradition you don’t want to miss!

A Dickens of a Christmas

The Mid-Continent Public Library System hosts Night Before a Christmas Carol, offered various dates, times and locations. In a handcrafted one-man play, David zum Brunnen portrays all 17 characters from A Christmas Carol and Charles Dickens himself in this heartwarming and unique rendition of the tale set in 1843. See www.MYMCPL.org for complete information and free event registration.

Dickens Carolers in Concert

For more than 30 years, the Dickens Carolers have been performing at events and holiday parties across the Metro. The troupe is available for hire for holiday events, or you may attend their family-friendly concert at Chestnut Fine Arts Center. Enjoy your favorite holiday songs as this talented ensemble performs.

Merry Old England

Enjoy a taste of England at these area shops.

Brits 929 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS, 785.843.2288. Follow Brits on Facebook. Brits specializes in hard-to-find items from the United Kingdom, boasting a wide selection of teas, jams and jellies, lemon and raspberry curds, British cooking and baking ingredients, British bangers, chipolatas, frozen haggis and haddock and kippers.  If you're looking for souvenirs and collectibles, they have those as well, from books and DVDs to t-shirts and Dr. Who memorabilia. Tip: Read our Lawrence day trip tips.

Queen's Pantry 510 Delaware St., Leavenworth, KS, 913.680.1899. Tucked in an alley in the historic shopping district, this shop specializes in British goods. You'll find fine teas, cookies and delicacies from England in this beautiful shop! Tip: Read our Leavenworth for day trip tips—and  don't forget to treat the kids to a ride on the carousel at C.W. Parker's Carousel Museum, our favorite Leavenworth destination.

Celebrate a Victorian Christmas

You can celebrate the history of the Victorian era at these historic attractions:

Victorian Winter Wonderland

A favorite mother-daughter holiday outing, we look forward to a tour of the magnificently decorated Victorian mansion. Volunteers deck the halls with beautiful Christmas decorations throughout, including a favorite upside down tree.

A Visit from St. Nicholas

Celebrate a 19th-century Christmas. Tour homes decorated for the holidays and visit St. Nicholas in the Thornton Mansion, where he is resplendent in his green velvet robes. The horse-drawn sleigh ride is the highlight of the day! This event celebrates many cultures and the history of Christmas, from America to Sweden, but it is a marvelous glimpse of Christmas past.

Kristina Light makes it an annual tradition to attend the KC Rep’s production of A Christmas Carol and reads the book to her children.

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