Art scene ~ A Christmas Carol ~ Trinity Repertory Company ~ Providence
Trinity Repertory Company
201 Washington St.
Providence, Rhode Island
November 10-December 29, 2012
Bear and I have wanted to see Trinity's version of A Christmas Carol since our first Christmas in Rhode Island. This year we were determined to go, since it's the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth. We saw it on the 20th, and the whole experience was terrific!
The theater dresses for the occasion, with trees and bunting decked with gold pine coneslights and ribbons. The effect is luxe, but not overdone, and the gold picks out the existing gold in the decor, so it looks like it really belongs there.
A chorus of carolers kept the spirit up, dressed in top hats, bowlers and their holiday best. Bear rocked out to Jingle Bells and The Wassail Song, and I loved their rendition of Joy to the World.
The harmony was lovely, and it was the perfect touch.
The second floor quickly filled with people. Older couples mingled with hipsters, parochial school students and parents with children wearing their holiday best. The house was definitely in the holiday mood, and the atmosphere was cheery.
On a side note, Trinity has a nice selection of wines. I tried a Deep Purple Zinfandel that was silky smooth and delicious.
Inside the theater, a number of the child actors in costume went up and down the aisles, offering shoeshines to audience members. They're soon called to the stage by the storyteller, who gathers them together to hear "just one story" before they go home for the night.
The initial musical number that indicated a scene change was a little confusing. I thought at first that we were watching a musical, but it turned out to be a scene change distraction that they used throughout the show. The music overpowered the vocals a bit, especially in the first song, so it was hard to make out the words, but I wouldn't call any of the tunes very catchy.
The story got started, and it was such a joy. Timothy Crowe was an effective Scrooge, believably mean-spirited, but still with a sense of humor that's often lost in productions, but very true to the story.
I have to commend their handling of Jacob Marley. Not only was the makeup very effective, but they managed to convey the ghostly change of the door knocker and Marley's unwilling pull back to his endless journey.
Another standout was Mia Ellis as the Ghost of Christmas Past. She had a great childlike quality to her, but a mature and wise speaking voice. Overdone, she could have been Glinda the Good Witch. Instead she struck a perfect balance. I wasn't as impressed with her singing voice, but hers was one of my favorite performances.
The child actors, ranging in age from 10 to 12, did a good job overall. Bear and I both loved Elliot Peters as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Although only onstage for a brief time, he carried the role with a powerful, jolly presence that was impressive and still fun.
The play stayed pretty true to the story, and we liked the way some of the action took place in the aisles. We had a great time and would highly recommend the experience for anyone. It will definitely put you in the spirit, if you're not already.
Tickets can be purchased by phone at (401) 351-4242, online at www.trinityrep.com, or in person at the theater’s box office. Adult ticket prices for A Christmas Carol start at $36. Children’s tickets (age 2-14) start at $22. For information on group discounts for parties of 20 or more contact Group Sales at (401) 351-4242.
201 Washington St.
Providence, Rhode Island
November 10-December 29, 2012
Bear and I have wanted to see Trinity's version of A Christmas Carol since our first Christmas in Rhode Island. This year we were determined to go, since it's the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens' birth. We saw it on the 20th, and the whole experience was terrific!
The theater dresses for the occasion, with trees and bunting decked with gold pine coneslights and ribbons. The effect is luxe, but not overdone, and the gold picks out the existing gold in the decor, so it looks like it really belongs there.
A chorus of carolers kept the spirit up, dressed in top hats, bowlers and their holiday best. Bear rocked out to Jingle Bells and The Wassail Song, and I loved their rendition of Joy to the World.
The harmony was lovely, and it was the perfect touch.
The second floor quickly filled with people. Older couples mingled with hipsters, parochial school students and parents with children wearing their holiday best. The house was definitely in the holiday mood, and the atmosphere was cheery.
On a side note, Trinity has a nice selection of wines. I tried a Deep Purple Zinfandel that was silky smooth and delicious.
Inside the theater, a number of the child actors in costume went up and down the aisles, offering shoeshines to audience members. They're soon called to the stage by the storyteller, who gathers them together to hear "just one story" before they go home for the night.
The initial musical number that indicated a scene change was a little confusing. I thought at first that we were watching a musical, but it turned out to be a scene change distraction that they used throughout the show. The music overpowered the vocals a bit, especially in the first song, so it was hard to make out the words, but I wouldn't call any of the tunes very catchy.
The story got started, and it was such a joy. Timothy Crowe was an effective Scrooge, believably mean-spirited, but still with a sense of humor that's often lost in productions, but very true to the story.
 |
| Timothy Crowe as Ebenezer Scrooge Photo: Mark Turek |
I have to commend their handling of Jacob Marley. Not only was the makeup very effective, but they managed to convey the ghostly change of the door knocker and Marley's unwilling pull back to his endless journey.
 |
| Stephen Thorne as Jacob Marley Photo: Mark Turek |
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| Mia Ellis as The Ghost of Christmas Past Photo: Mark Turek |
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| Elliot Peters as The Ghost of Christmas Present. Photo: Mark Turek |
The play stayed pretty true to the story, and we liked the way some of the action took place in the aisles. We had a great time and would highly recommend the experience for anyone. It will definitely put you in the spirit, if you're not already.
 |
| The cast Photo: Mark Turek |
Tickets can be purchased by phone at (401) 351-4242, online at www.trinityrep.com, or in person at the theater’s box office. Adult ticket prices for A Christmas Carol start at $36. Children’s tickets (age 2-14) start at $22. For information on group discounts for parties of 20 or more contact Group Sales at (401) 351-4242.
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