If it ain't broke
The Guthrie's previous version of A Christmas Carol is a tried and true tradition for many. A 35 year old tradition. A few minor revamps here and there have helped to maintain it's fresh feeling. However the script, set and costumes remained largely unchanged...and well loved.
But 35 years is an incredibly long life in the theatre, and a major revision was long overdue. I was excited at some of the prospects. The set and costume designs were engaging. The Ghost of Christmas Future was the most terrifying I've seen to date. And a few key moments...Scrooge kicking out a family on Christmas eve (enhancing his cruelty and miserliness) and his relived memory of chastising Belle for borrowing money (for a dress oddly similar to the one worn by his evicted tenant no less) really help show not only how far down the path he has gone, but also reveal much more starkly how he got there. At the same time, this two moments taken together reveal the tiniest tinge of regret...that brief recognition of blue silk. It gives him a pivot on which to turn around for the good.
The director also was incredibly adamant about showcasing the different classes on these Victorian streets. Destitution and poverty ooze from every corner, and yet Scrooge still manages to turn a blind eye. And in these times in particular, with so many people living large, while other's well being hangs by a thin financial thread such a visual emphasis could have done so much more to pull us in. Even 140+ years later the same themes ring true. The tale remains eerily contemporary.
But all such moments are lost in jokes, witty banter and sarcasm. I do respect the need to keep the tale light for family traditions sake. Many a small child views this show. However, Scrooge's virile wit and sarcasm made me question he was taking in anything the ghosts showed him, let alone suspect he may see something that would spark a change of heart.
And all of the neat stage tricks...the flying, the lit costumes, the moving scenery...well, much of it felt an after thought to the jokes and funny moments the playwright inserted into this new script...jokes played for every laugh while overshadowing the more sentimental and transitory exchanges.
Most of the reviews won't criticize such a well established tradition. But this particular reviewer hit the nail on the head:
From the Twin Cities Daily Planet
I can't recall having a more disappointing night at the theatre.
But 35 years is an incredibly long life in the theatre, and a major revision was long overdue. I was excited at some of the prospects. The set and costume designs were engaging. The Ghost of Christmas Future was the most terrifying I've seen to date. And a few key moments...Scrooge kicking out a family on Christmas eve (enhancing his cruelty and miserliness) and his relived memory of chastising Belle for borrowing money (for a dress oddly similar to the one worn by his evicted tenant no less) really help show not only how far down the path he has gone, but also reveal much more starkly how he got there. At the same time, this two moments taken together reveal the tiniest tinge of regret...that brief recognition of blue silk. It gives him a pivot on which to turn around for the good.
The director also was incredibly adamant about showcasing the different classes on these Victorian streets. Destitution and poverty ooze from every corner, and yet Scrooge still manages to turn a blind eye. And in these times in particular, with so many people living large, while other's well being hangs by a thin financial thread such a visual emphasis could have done so much more to pull us in. Even 140+ years later the same themes ring true. The tale remains eerily contemporary.
But all such moments are lost in jokes, witty banter and sarcasm. I do respect the need to keep the tale light for family traditions sake. Many a small child views this show. However, Scrooge's virile wit and sarcasm made me question he was taking in anything the ghosts showed him, let alone suspect he may see something that would spark a change of heart.
And all of the neat stage tricks...the flying, the lit costumes, the moving scenery...well, much of it felt an after thought to the jokes and funny moments the playwright inserted into this new script...jokes played for every laugh while overshadowing the more sentimental and transitory exchanges.
Most of the reviews won't criticize such a well established tradition. But this particular reviewer hit the nail on the head:
From the Twin Cities Daily Planet
I can't recall having a more disappointing night at the theatre.
posted by Unknown at
12:18 PM
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