Review: A Festive CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns for A Holiday Run at Candy Factory Center for the Arts in Manassas

Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the quartet of seasonal specters - if these characters are back in action, it must mean A CHRISTMAS CAROL has returned to spread humbug and cheer in the Kellar Family Theatre in Manassas.

The resident community theatre at the Center for the Arts, Rooftop Productions, is offering their annual revival of the Dickens classic to delight audiences young and old. As a matter of fact, at the Sunday matinee I attended, there were nearly as many youngsters as grown-ups, which is a wonderful thing to see at a live theatre event.

The show itself is an adaptation of the Dickens story by British writer John Mortimer, former barrister and creator "Rumpole of the Bailey" series of books. Originally adapted for the Royal Shakespeare Company, this version retains the spirit and social commentary of the novella, adding some new flavor that adds to the dramatized story.

Under the capable direction Ted Ballard, the production moves along at a clip, packing a great deal of the story into the two hours traffic of the stage. Perhaps due to its RSC pedigree, I found this adaptation heavier on the dialogue than some adaptations, but this is a minor quibble.

Ballard and his designers use a modular and impressionistic scene design for the production that allows for the quick pacing and cinematic transitions from scene to scene. The costumes are period perfect and help the volunteer company to wrap themselves in the Victorian era and cold winter's feel of the story.

Leading the enthusiastic company is Jay Tilley as the titular Scrooge, performing the role with a mixture of bluster and bombast that softens throughout the character's journey towards redemption and finding the true spirit of Christmas. A careful blend of Orson Welles and Robin Williams, Tilley not only commands the stage, he can fill any dull moment (a few slow costume changes, for example) like a master improviser.

As Scrooge's clerk, Bob Cratchit, Jim Harris offers the proper contrast with his boss, proving a kindly employee and model papa to the Cratchit brood. As his family, Nanette Carradice (Mrs. Cratchit), Justin Zombron (Peter), Kathryn Carradice (Belinda), Kaleigh Madison (Martha), and Logan Steele (Tim) warm the heart and provide the right feeling with their scenes.

The ghostly figures all make their own theatrical impressions, as well, starting with the striking Jacob Marley of Jason Foster. He is joined by the terrifying trio of Amy Treat, Daniel Holmes, and Dominique Herring as Past, Present and Yet-to-Come, respectively. You might also spy the director himself, Ted Ballard, in several featured roles, which he pulls off with panache.

Throughout the production, the ensemble and other principals pull double duty as other citizens and characters, which contributes to the swift-moving story. Another feature of the production are the carols offered throughout the scene changes.

My only complaint about this production is not aimed at the spirited cast or crew who provided a welcome entertainment for a Sunday afternoon. I only wish members of the audience had followed the pleasant but clear announcements at the top of the show and extinguished their personal "noise-making devices" which are also light-making devices. One young lady - from all I could tell the family member of one of the actors - kept popping her sizable smart-phone up to snap a photo or text. Luckily, her seats were towards the very back of the house, so most of the other patrons did not see her shining light. I'll wager the performers did. I hope new audience members will pay attention to the pre-show announcements and use more courtesy for the rest of the run for A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The actors and other members of Rooftop Production deserve a Merry Christmas and a cell-phone free show.

Follow Jeff Walker on Twitter - @jeffwalker66

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by John Mortimer, adapted from Charles Dickens

Directed by Ted Ballard

Running time: 2 hours - 1 intermission.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory performs in the Kellar Theater: Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday, November 26 at 2pm & 7pm and Sunday, November 27 at 2pm and then December 2-11 on Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 2pm.

For more information or tickets, click HERE

703.330.2787 9419 Battle Street, Manassas, VA 20110

PHOTOS: Jay Tilley as Scrooge, Logan Steele as Tiny Tim and Daniel Holmes as Christmas Present

Photo Credit: Mina Habibi