Review: A Christmas Carol at KC Repertory Theatre

Marley was dead, to begin with... so opens the beloved Christmas ghost story as the Kansas City Repertory Theatre takes us to Victorian London for the quintessentially idyllic holiday tradition - their annual production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.

I have many fond memories of the production over the years, and this year it was a joy to share the timeless tale with a good friend who was new to the Rep's production of the show. I loved watching the show through "new eyes" while enjoying the holiday memory that is rightfully a Kansas City Christmas legacy.

The KC Rep stage truly transforms into 1843 London and the cast becomes the living embodiment of the characters they portray. Having read Dickens' book almost every Advent for over thirty-five 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 starring role for decades. Johnson's miserly portrayal is spot-on as if escaping directly from the pages of the book onto the stage. The rest of the casting is equally excellent, with Nedra Dixon as the storyteller, and all four ghosts (Jacob Marley - portrayed by John Rensenhouse, Christmas Past - portrayed by Chioma Anyanwu, Christmas Present - portrayed by Matt Rapport, and Christmas Yet to Come - portrayed by Tanner Rose) weaving their magic beautifully through the tale.

This year, Cody Proctor portrays Scrooge's poor employee Bob Cratchit, and Darrington Clark (familiar to the KC stage having performed in many Coterie productions), portrays nephew Fred. These two anchor the story in reality with their contrasting circumstances, but similar outlook on Christmas, family, and kindness.  

We meet Scrooge in his countinghouse, where he refuses coal to Bob in need of warmth, donations to charity, and nephew Fred's annual holiday invitation. The miser is content in his misery as he goes home on Christmas Eve. That night, the magic begins.

The special effects, music, and staging of this production are truly superior to any film production I've ever seen (and like most I've seen many). Even knowing how the story unfolds, we are still frightened at Marley, charmed by the Cratchits, and amazed at the ghosts. 

The Rep always strives to improve the production... which is admittedly challenging with such a familiar story to tell and a reputation for telling it with excellence. The show is staged in historical London using rotating staircases to depict indoor and outdoor scenes from different perspectives without interrupting the play for scene changes. Likewise, the costuming has been perfected over the years with my favorite, the Ghost of Christmas Present, delighting audiences as he becomes a giant right before your eyes.

The music in this production is especially beautiful and sacred and the accompaniment of the harp is an extra special element of the show. The most beautiful song in the production is the cast's singing of, "O Come Let Us Adore Him."  

Every year, as the Ghost of Christmas Present, escorts Scrooge through London, he brings the play to life right before the audience's eyes bestowing Christmas blessings (in the form of sparkly glitter) upon the audience. Pro Tip: If you sit in aisles F or G (or close to them) you are likely to find yourself sparkling before the night ends (as we did):

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.

When I think of Scrooge, I think of our own Gary Neal Johnson, a true Kansas City treasure. This is one holiday tradition we hope never to miss!

A Christmas Carol is performing through Dec. 24 at the Spencer Theater on the UMKC Campus. Buy Tickets to A Christmas Carol online.

Parental Notes:

I believe parents should determine when their children are ready for certain literary themes, so I will not recommend an age, but will list a few things to consider when taking young audience members to the show:

• A Christmas Carol is a ghost story and many of the ghosts are frightening in their entrances, exits, and appearances. Jacob Marley is especially spooky with his chains and makeup as he rises to the stage from the grave. The Ghost of Christmas Present has two urchin children living beneath his skirt and they make an appearance. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come appears much like the Grim Reaper and is particularly haunting.
• Themes of death and dying are present throughout, including the potential death of the child, Tiny Tim.
• The show is 1 hour 40 minutes long with a 15-minute Intermission. The vocabulary of the script may be difficult for young attention spans.