Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow
Now in its 43rd year, the Milwaukee Rep’s production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, continues to charm and excite audiences of all ages. Directed this year by Leda Hoffmann, the production (originally adapted and directed by Mark Clements) features spectacular acting, authentic-looking sets and costumes, top-notch special effects and plenty of singing and dancing to traditional holiday carols.
During Friday night’s performance at the Pabst Theater, cast members performed their roles with convincing English accents (a credit to dialect coach Jayne Pink). Jonathan Wainwright seamlessly stepped into the role of miser-turned-philanthropist Ebenezer Scrooge, employing the perfect blend of misanthropy, regret, and a good amount of humor. Jesse Bhamrah played Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, with exuberance and generosity, while Reese Madigan was well-cast as the humble, kind-hearted Bob Cratchit.
Other colorful performances included those of Mark Corkins as the Ghost of Jacob Marley and the unscrupulous pawn shop owner Old Joe; Todd Denning (who adopted a Scottish brogue as the Ghost of Christmas Present); and the hilarious Angela Iannone, who took on numerous roles (Mrs. Fezziwig, assistant to Dickens, charitable worker, and Mrs. Dilber, Scrooge’s housekeeper). The large cast included a talented youth ensemble.
Dickens’ 1843 novella, which has inspired adaptations almost too numerous to count, contains many supernatural elements, greatly enhanced by the Rep’s production. The haggard, spectral figure of Jacob Marley, wrapped in chains and surrounded by a cloud of fog, the Darth Vader-like Ghost of Christmas Future’s glowing red eyes; and the unearthly creatures of Want and Ignorance provided especially eerie touches. Rotating sets made to look like 19th century shops and homes and “snow” falling from the ceiling into the audience helped recreate Victorian era London during Christmas time.
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Through Dec. 24 at the Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St. For tickets visit milwaukeerep.com or call 414-224-9490
