'A Christmas Carol' at Trinity Rep

Fred Sullivan makes his Trinity Rep directing debut with this season's production of A Christmas Carol.  Sullivan has been a member of Trinity's company for twenty-four seasons and has appeared in A Christmas Carol at Trinity for twenty of those seasons.  This production gave him the perfect opportunity to fulfill his "If I were directing…" thoughts.  The result is a fast-paced, entertaining and family-friendly production of A Christmas Carol.

The set design and execution are remarkable achievements. In its scale and wonderment, William Lane's set has a Diagon Alley feel to it.  That is to say that it looks like the set could have been lifted out of a multi-million dollar movie set.

Brian McEleney plays a pinched, creaky Ebenezer Scrooge.  Under Sullivan's direction McEleney displays a great sense of comic timing.  The moment when gentlemen collecting for charity arrive at the office and a summarily dismissed by Scrooge is one of many humorous moments.  McEleney's Scrooge is so angry at being badgered by the do-gooders that he yells at them to leave, but is so tensed up that no voice will come from his throat.  Mouth wide open, he yells, "Get Out!" but the sounds that escapes is barely above a whisper.

Tony Estrella is a nice addition to the cast as Bob Cratchit. Estrella portrays the innocence and loyalty of Cratchit, without the milquetoast quality that is often seen in the role.

Scrooge's interaction with Marley's ghost (Sam Babbitt) is presented with a familiarity that the two men shared much earlier in their life.  There is no abiding terror in Scrooge during Marley's ghost's visit, and no intent from Marley to frighten.  Attaching cash boxes to the end of Marley's ghostly chains was a nice touch.

Trinity audiences expect Janice Duclos to nail any comic role she plays. As Scrooge's housekeeper Mrs. Partlet, Duclos delivers.  Duclos sports a voluminous red wig and a thick Irish accent.  Whether bartering over the price of the late Scrooge's possessions or comforting a repentant Scrooge in her bosom, Duclos squeezes every possible comic moment out of the role.

The Ghosts of the Christmas Past, Present and Future are individually, and collectively glorious. As the Ghost of Christmas past, Stephen Thorne (who also plays Scrooge's nephew Fred) gets to fly above the audience while turning somersaults and making merry.   The Ghost of Christmas past is a harlequin in this production.  The harlequin costume is seen on children's toys throughout the production; another thread to sew the narrative together.

Kelby T. Akin plays a virile Ghost of Christmas Present.  In Ron Cesario's gorgeous costume, Akin brings a sensuality to the role that is completely unexpected, even as his beard turns from a vibrant red, to a mousy grey during a seamless exit and entrance from the stage.

The Ghost of Christmas Future (Joe Donovan) is the most traditional of the three Ghosts.  A wordless, ten foot tall, boney-fingered specter is as expected.  None of the Ghosts are as visually scary as some of the Ghosts have been in previous productions.  This, along with the quick pace, adds to Sullivan's family-friendly vision.

Tom Gleadow has worked with Fred Sullivan (along with Sam Babbitt and Tony Estella) at the Gamm Theatre in Pawtucket, RI.  In this production Gleadow plays many roles including the exuberant Mr. Fezziwig.  The melding of Gamm actors with Trinity actors by Sullivan works beautifully, altering just slightly, the Company.

Sullivan toys with the ending of A Christmas Carol, which may not fly with purists.  However, the tidy ending plays well in this child-friendly production.

Adult ticket prices for A Christmas Carol are $25-$60, with best prices available for post-Christmas shows. Trinity offers a limited number of last-row, bench seats for $10 each.

Tickets can be purchased at the Theater's Box office at 201 Washington St., Providence, RI.  Box office hours are 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 7 days a week.  Tickets are also available by phone at 401-351-4242, or on line at www.trinityrep.com.

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