Ensemble. Photo by Craig Schwartz
Geoff Elliott (Ebenezer Scrooge) and Deborah Strang (Christmas Past). Photo by Craig Schwartz
Immerse yourself in the timeless world of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within as part of their 25th anniversary season, entitled Beyond Our Wildest Dreams. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of A Noise Within’s annual production of this Christmas classic.
Producing Artistic Director, Geoff Elliott, adapted the play from the novella and stars as Ebenezer Scrooge. He and co-director Julia Rodriguez-Elliott present a cheerful but thought-provoking take on this iconic Christmas story.
“Remounting our acclaimed presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol allows families to once again take a supremely theatrical journey, and celebrate the transformative power of forgiveness during the holidays,” said Geoff Elliott.
The play seamlessly weaves an on-stage narrator (Freddy Douglas) with the mythical journey Scrooge takes with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. Expect to be amazed by the spine-chilling ghosts, enchanted by the celebrating dancers and heartbroken by the plight of Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family.
Alan Blumenfeld (Christmas Present). Photo by Craig Schwartz
“Ebenezer Scrooge’s rebirth from miserly curmudgeon to the epitome of love and generosity affirms our faith in the potent goodness of humanity during this beloved time of year,” said Rodriguez-Elliott.
The small but versatile company presents each scene as a fully developed episode as Scrooge’s transformation unfolds. First we laugh at his ridiculously comic grumpiness then we sympathize when he becomes aware of how his behavior affects others; ultimately, we see a little bit of ourselves in Scrooge and rejoice at his metamorphosis. The themes of change, redemption and love are underscored by tightly staged songs that you’ll be singing long after the final bow.
A Noise Within’s A Christmas Carol excels with creative costumes and scenery that allow the actors to make full use of the space – sometimes even running into the aisles and through the audience. The whimsical production still carries a weighty message that is especially poignant during the holiday season.
A Christmas Carol will be performed until December 23. A Noise Within is located at 3352 East Foothill Boulevard, convenient to the Sierra Madre Villa stop on the Gold Line Metro. Single Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased on www.anoisewithin.org or by phone: (626) 356-3100 ext 1.
