A Christmas Carol - The Guthrie Theatre

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The holidays are fast approaching. This means that productions of A Christmas Carol will be performed all over the world. The same is true here in Minnesota at the Guthrie theatre and their production of the timeless tale of a miserly old man who discovers the true meaning of Christmas. The Guthrie's production was visually and technically stunning and the performances given by each of the actors were expertly done.

From the moment the audience walks into the beautiful theatrical area, they are amazed by the beauty of the set before them. Each detail was wonderful. The outside of the town was done down to the smallest detail which made the ability for the audience to believe they were in Victorian London was that much easier. The snow on the stage was set so that it looked like genuine snow taken from outside and placed carefully on the stage. Each windowpane had different lattice work. The set was astounding. The costumes were of similar quality. Each individual costume was tailored to that actor's body and fit their character amazingly. Everything from the elaborate costumes worn by the Fezziwigs to the worn out and shoddy clothing of the poor children were not only visually pleasing, but also so accurate and real. One could truly believe they were watching the events happening in the streets of London.Simply wonderful.

Technically, the show was also superb. The lighting was excellent. Each entrance made by the ghosts was different and beautiful. The almost sparkling lights made by the Ghost of Christmas Past, The bright and cheerful lights provided to the Ghost of Christmas Present, the the dark and foreboding lack of lights used when introducing the Ghost of Christmas Future were all expertly accomplished. This aided the show by making the actors portraying these parts that much more realistic. There special fog "blasters", for lack of a better word, during Jacob Marley's scene were also very powerful and made it that much more frightening. The deafening booms used during this may have been a bit loud, however, this was not a major problem.

The actors, from Scrooge down to the townsperson on the left, all fit their parts admirably. Scrooge was unpleasant, but at the same time hilarious at times, when the scene called for it. The actor managed to portray Scrooge's character at the beginning and was able to show his transformation throughout the Ghost's visits. All of the Cratchits gave believable performances as a family who has been down on their luck, but still manages to find the good in any situation. This made them a real and beautiful family which moved the hearts of the entire audience. Each of the child actors also proved to be wonderful as well. When one had a line, it was delivered with clarity and volume which is wonderful to see in aspiring actors. It was a wonderful experience to watch this story come to life with such wonderful actors at its helm.

A Christmas Carol is a wonderful production, timeless and full of holiday spirit. This show is an excellent production that is appropriate for children and adults of all ages. So when one is contemplating what one may do with one's family this holiday season, A Christmas Carol will be an excellent option for families all over Minnesota.

A Christmas Carol
At the Guthrie Theatre

Christmas, a time for families to come together, spread joy, and always enjoy a little bah hum bug, from the showing of a Christmas Carol that is. A tradition that has been passed on for years, the story of a man with no Christmas spirit who is changed by the Ghosts of Past, Present, and future.
The Guthrie Theatre was a perfect place to view this performance. Much of the audience, both young and old, were on their seats to see what came next. Not because they didn’t know the story, but because the way each detail was articulated.
Each ghost was truly a sight to see. One may have felt they were seeing a show of Broadway caliber. The light and sound effects were nothing but miraculous.
Although the character of Scrooge is one of anger, the actor brought humor to the stage, and happiness in the parts of his past. The story of his love made mothers in the audience return to their first love and shed a tear.
Over all this show brought out the Christmas spirit in the audience, and no one left the theatre saying “Bah hum bug”.

The Guthrie's production of A Christmas Carol last friday evening was simply spectacular.A story that we have all love and a tradition for many families each Christmas its no wonder this Charles Dickens classic is still around. Directed by Joe Dowling, The Guthrie brought to fresh life a classic as well as spreading a little christmas cheer around the cities. A word must be said for seeing this production in the beautiful Guthrie theater.
Besides the beautiful theater, the set was absolutely incredible. From the moment the audience takes their seats, they feel as if they are looking in on a street of london. Even the tiniest details were covered truly enhancing the enjoyment of the play.
The lighting was another really amazing part of the play. The dramatic change between realistic lighting and the special lights and colors used for each ghosts entrance perfectly gripped and focued the audienecs attention. Though the lights for the ghost of Christmas present seemed a little too bright. But it was the deep dark almost black red lights with fog introducing the ghost of Christmas future that really made the produciton for me. The eerieness was captured so well, and a chill almost made it feel as if the fans had been kicked on.
The acting from every character in the show was outstanding. Little details like chatter from the women on the street and extra characters really brought the play to life. J.C. Cutler playing Ebenezer Scrooge was superb throughout the play. He did a perfect job of portraying grumpy, unpleasant Scrooge. Also during scenes like the ghost of christmas yet to come visit, he had such wide vivid expressions that could be seen from anywhere in the audience. Little details like his facial expressions really helped make his character feel more real.
An incredibly well made production, Joe Dowlings fresh take on A Christmas Carol is not a show to be missed. This story has become a christmas tradition for families around the holidays for years, and seeing a live adaptation will certainly be one in mine from now on.

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This page contains a single entry by Mark Harvey published on November 26, 2011 3:06 PM.

Six Characters in Search of an Author - UWS Theatre was the previous entry in this blog.

Triple Espresso - The Southern Theatre is the next entry in this blog.

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