This is San Diego Rep's 30th production of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Each production has been unique. Bringing in the directing talent of Kristen Brandt and the design talent of David Lee Cuthbert has guaranteed that this version would follow the tradition. Set in a period of American history from 1885 to 1945, adaptor D. W. Jacobs maintains the spirit of the original. We are quickly moved from the Industrial Revolution through two world wars and the Great Depression, following the life of rundown nightclub owner, Scrooge.
David Lee Cuthbert has created a flexible environment that easily changes from the Scrooge and Marley basement bar to Scrooge's bedroom and the many locations of the past and future visited by him and ghosts. Cuthbert was blessed with a reasonable budget to let his creative talent work wonders on the Lyceum stage.
Director Brandt is ably assisted by Choreographer Jean Issacs, who has thought up highly stylized dances for many of the time periods. Steve Gunderson's music and arrangements also depict the span of 60 years accurately. It is, however, Brandt's unique style that gives this A Christmas Carol a very special appeal. Her totally multi-ethnic casting gives the production a distinctive character and taps some of the best talent available for the production.
All the elements come together in almost perfect synchronicity. Mary Larson's delightful costumes, complemented by Peter Herman's amusing wigs, well define both the period and personalities of the players. Greg Mullavey's Scrooge is simply great. He maintains a traditional characterization within the confines of the updated era in the U. S. rather than Great Britain. Victor Morris, as the narrator, moves us through the story adeptly, assisting his dialogue with some short musical interludes on the trumpet. Lisa H. Payton, in one of her roles (Belle), enthralls the audience with her beautiful voice. Jeannine Marquie, also in several roles, brings her vocal talents in song while portraying a maid.
Seema Sueko, Jeannine Marquie, and Jenn Grinels, as the ghost of Christmas past, set Scrooge on his whirlwind tour of Christmases. They appear almost, but not quite, as angels on a mission. Jason Heil, as a pilot representing the ghost of Christmas Present, takes Scrooge and a rocky flight into the reality of the moment. Perennial San Diego favorite Ruff Yeager, in multiple roles, is excellent, especially as downright scary Ghost of Christmas Future. The large cast (17 in all) handle their 33 roles professionally. Brandt cast well and directs with a delightful flair.
Phil Johnson's Bob Cratchit and Marley are well done. Mauricio Villa-Lobos plays the younger Ebenezer, as well as nephew Fred with elan. Rebecca Lauren Myers is a fine Tiny Tim. Elzie Billops, Sonya Bender, and Zev Lerner play the children with Markuz Rodriguez, Ka'imi Kuoha, and Brian Crum in the ensemble.
The band (Don LeMaster, Rik Ogden, David Rumley, Oliver Shirley) have their own revolving stage in the nightclub complete with velvet show-curtain. They help define the period in instrumental productions, as well as backing up the dancers and singers.
The 2005 Rep version of A Christmas Carol is an excellent theater experience. Brandt directs in depth, which means the whole stage is always alive with action and reaction. Cuthbert's set has many, many surprises through the show. I highly recommend a visit to the Lyceum and this production.
