Why do we revisit this story every year? What is it about Scrooge’s journey that continually reveals something new about ourselves?
Every year about this time, I start to hunger to hear this story again. To make plain what I tend to forget or take for granted through much of the year. To remind myself that no matter how isolated or cynical one has become, there is always the possibility for transformation, the chance to replace our stony hearts with generous, loving ones. Gathering together to share in this story has become much more than simply tradition. It’s taken on the air of ritual, affording us the chance to reaffirm certain profound truths about our shared humanity.
One of those truths is the most basic of all: we need each other. I cannot know who I am without knowing who I am in relationship. To this community. To my family. To my friends. To my neighbors. To you. Scrooge, like many of us, seems to have forgotten this most basic of truths: that it is in relationship with others where we find meaning. Not in isolation. Not in things. But in community. Scrooge’s isolation impacts more than his own misery. It deprives his community of certain possibilities.
Similarly, the boundless gratitude of Tiny Tim is not just an individual virtue but a gift that is freely given to all in his orbit. Tim generously shares with all of us a vision for a more selfless, loving world. Each day, we’re given the opportunity to choose generosity, to reflect back to each other our authentic selves, and to help create that version of the world.
Like Scrooge on Christmas morning, “we haven’t missed it!” We still have time. Thank you for joining us again this year, and for reminding us of that beautiful truth.
Learn more about A Christmas Carol
Think about all the great pairings in the world. Chocolate and peanut butter. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Cookies and milk. The holidays and A Christmas Carol.
Whether you love or hate the classic Dickens tale, it’s one of the most quintessential parts of the holiday season. With the overwhelming number of A Christmas Carol adaptations on TV, in movies or on stage, it’s easy to just say “Bah, Humbug” to all of them.
But the Alliance Theatre has a one-of-a-kind production that should emerge as the event of the season. And here are five reasons why:
1) Historic Final Year
All good things must come to an end, and this performance of A Christmas Carol is no exception. After 27 years on the Alliance Stage, this particular adaptation will be in a new location next year before retiring from the Alliance season. A new version of the Dickens classic by the same author will premiere back at the Woodruff Arts Center in 2018. So whether you are new to this Atlanta tradition, or you drop in every year, this is your last chance to see what has captivated audiences for decades.
3) David de Vries as Scrooge
Returning in the starring role of Ebenezer Scrooge for the third year in a row is celebrated actor, David de Vries. With professional credits as Lumiere in Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast and Dr. Dillamond in the national tour of Wicked, de Vries definitely proves has the chops to carry the iconic role, previously portrayed by the talented Chris Kayser (now in the role of Scrooge’s deceased business partner, Jacob Marley) . The transformation from cold-hearted miser to giddy philanthropist is a fruitful and captivating journey, indeed.
3) The Set and Special Effects
Two trap doors, a fly system, levitation track and lots of snow. These are just a few of the whimsical effects of “A Christmas Carol.” The set, designed by D Martyn Bookwalter, is a hoarder’s paradise, with grand archways and various bookshelves, furniture and knick-knacks strewn across the stage. All are illustrations of the things Scrooge had “stolen” from others over the years.
4) The Ensemble
Starring alongside David de Vries are a group of strong performers, each with their own memorable roles on stage. Wendell Brock from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says it best: “For now, let us bask in the splendors before us: the creme de la creme of the Atlanta theater community all tied up here under one big bow.” Feel the love and longing for connection from the heart of Scrooge’s nephew Fred (played by Joe Knezevich). Become swept away with the courting of young Scrooge (Lowrey Brown) to Belle (Ann Marie Gideon). Laugh out loud with Mrs. Dilber’s (Je Nie Flemming) qualms about her grumpy, old client. Rejoice in the cheery nature of little Tiny Tim (Marco Schittone).
5) The Music
“God rest ye merry gentleman, let nothing you dismay…” The holiday season produces a multitude of both haunting and joyful carols. In this production, director Rosemary Newcott creatively integrates story and song throughout the show to generate a unique atmosphere. And if you can’t resist singing yourself, there may be a few occasions to show off your pipes!
As the end of December looms nearer, tickets for the show will become scarcer, so do not miss your last chance to see this Atlanta tradition!
Tonight we’ll host one of our favorite traditions at the Alliance. Each year we invite members of the Atlanta Miracle League to attend the final dress rehearsal of A Christmas Carol. The miracle league provides opportunities for children with disabilities to play baseball, regardless of the ability. They also help facilitate other opportunities for families involved in the league. Tonight we will welcome around 400 children with disabilities and their families to A Christmas Carol. It’s a very special performance that our actors, house and stage managers look forward to each year.
John McLaughlin, who works with the North Metro Miracle League, contacted us via email to share some letters he’s received from families who attend each year. We asked if he would let us share his email and the letters here, and he agreed –
Dear Alliance,
Thought you would like to see a sample of the responses I get when I send out your Christmas Carol invitation. Both of these families are having a very hard time and this evening is very special to them….and we are rapidly approaching 400. You guys make me a Hero every year……..At age 70 that’s not easy …That skin tight super hero suit just doesn’t look the same anymore….It’s getting saggy, baggy and draggy……It couldn’t be me could it…..Must be something the laundry did?
– John P McLaughlin
Hello John!! I am so hoping that there may be 12 spaces available for the Christmas Carol perfomance! It is like the biggest, most special-ist thing that our family does. We are very much looking forward to dressing up a little and attending the theater with you all! The show is soooo good. Thank you for ALL that you all do, in so very many wonderful ways.
Hi Mr. John. We were at the Miracle League Christmas gingerbread party last year. Our Erica was the little girl in the walker lit up with christmas lights. We would love to attend if possible. We would be bringing 8 – 2 adults ( Mark and Kim – Erica’s parents) and 6 kids. (Joshua 14, Jessica, 12, Alyssa 10, Andrew 8, Emily 6, and Erica 5) I hope this works out. This has been a hard few months for the kids. Thank you for everything that you do. God Bless.
In the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us everyone!”