reviewed by Ken Klingenmeier

Mrs. K and I had the great pleasure of home viewing (via streaming video) this year’s performance of IRT’s seasonal tradition – A Christmas Carol. The production has certainly varied over the years as different directors have taken the helm and as actors have appeared in various different roles – but, I feel, none so much as this year’s edition with James Still directing and Rob Johansen appearing as Ebenezer Scrooge for the first time. Through the efforts of these two very creative people, the show has been given new life and originality.

The script used for 2021’s production is quite different from past years. Most of us are certainly familiar with the classic old tale – first published 178 years ago in 1843. The premise for IRT’s annual production hasn’t changed, being that a company of actors is presenting the story in a snow field. However, this year there seems to be more narration and direct communication with the audience. The style reminded me very much of Dylan Thomas’ approach with “Under Milk Wood” – a play I am very familiar with. It is a friendly style of storytelling, and it works well for this year’s version.

Rob Johansen as the miserly Scrooge in IRT’s “A Christmas Carol”

Rob Johansen is perfect as Ebenezer Scrooge. He offers a highly varied rendering as his characterization moves Scrooge from stingy miser who hates most things (but hates Christmas most of all) to an almost frenzied man who rediscovers himself in spirit and in deed as perhaps the happiest celebrant of the holiday that there ever has been. It would be difficult for any viewer not to share the joy Johansen’s Scrooge feels in his moving reawakening.

The supporting cast for IRT’s “A Christmas Carol” (from left) Maria Argentina Souza, Quintin Gildon, Nina Jayashankar, Ryan Artzberger,
Will Mobley, David Alan Anderson, and Jennifer Johansen

Director Still’s staging is much different from recent versions and the reimagining works wonderfully. Johansen is joined by a cast of seven talented actors and actresses charged with several roles apiece who relate the story, not by pushing it out to us so much as drawing us into it. The emotional scenes of the Cratchit family are very well done, as are the scenes of Fezziwig’s party (including apt choreography by Nicholas A. Owens). The visits by the three Spirits of Christmas are fresh and impactful, and the Spirits’ costuming has been upgraded by the work of Linda Pisano and her staff. Russell Metheny’s nifty conceptual set design is full of devices which either roll onto the stage or come up through the snow-filled floor, and Michael Lincoln’s lighting design plays a large role in the effectiveness of the action and the visuals.

Ryan Artzberger as Marley’s Ghost and Rob Johansen as Scrooge in a scene from IRT’s “A Christmas Carol”

Bottomline: All the changes that were offered in this year’s A Christmas Carol made our visit with the familiar story seem new and creative. Johansen’s Scrooge was innovative, Director Still’s staging was refreshing, and the entire production was a very powerful and satisfying lead-in to the holiday season.

A Christmas Carol at the Indiana Repertory Theatre (140 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204) runs through December 26th. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office by calling 317.635.5252 or online at http://www.irtlive.com . Tickets for the streaming video version are also available.

  • – photos by Zach Rosing