For the past 20 years, McCarter Theatre has ushered in the holiday season with its unique rendition of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Director Michael Unger polishes the extremely talented and Broadway-experienced cast to capture an audience of all ages. Together with an innovative narrative adaptation by David Thompson, Unger's talent ensures that the production promises to awe families with its magical spectacle.
In a 2000 review, Donald Gilpin of Town Topics said ,"['A Christmas Carol'] is a production that will move audiences of all ages as it entertains with its rich humor, its vibrant visual effects, its rousing original music and choreography."
Reflecting upon past experience, McCarter publicist Dan Bauer said he anticipates a very good turnout for the performance.
It is important to emphasize that Unger does not deliver a vapid and stale rendition of the classic tale.
Instead, the audience will be enchanted by a clever and harmonious combination of unexpected auditory and visual spectacles, which only enhance the expected narrative experience.
Tony award winner Ming Cho Lee collaborates with Unger to generate a phenomenal set design and awesome range of special effects. Additional masterminds are orchestrator Michael Starobin, costume designer Jess Goldstein, original choreographer Rob Ashford, and sound design by Brian Roman.
All involved with the production value the importance of keeping this holiday family favorite "revamped" and "fresh" for the upcoming season, Bauer said.
In a 2000 review, Simon Saltzman of U.S. 1 discussed this changed face of the show.
"Whatever sprucing up David Thompson has done to his very literate adaptation, with well-placed musical moments, it is tailored to bring more respectful consideration to the Dickens original," he said.
"Without sacrificing the requisite uplifting, humorous and inspiring elements of the favorite holiday tale, which is now darker, mustier and more surreal," he said, "we are now effectively transported to a very real place and time in history."
This classic tale emanates good cheer and a virtuous holiday spirit, while also sending to its audience an important and timeless message. Under the guidance of the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, Ebeneezer Scrooge, a stubborn, stingy old man, proves that it is never too late to change and make a difference.
Central to feeling actually transported into mid 1800s London is the tireless energy of the cast. The repetoire is fronted by Broadway veterans, such as Simon Brooking (Bob Cratchit), Judith Hawking (Mrs. Cratchit) and John Christopher Jones (Ebeneezer Scrooge).
Although she recently bore twins, Unger's wife, actress Janet Metz, also makes an appearance in the show. Metz has toured as the narrator for nearly 1,000 shows of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
In addition, Metz was part of the original cast of "Falsettos," which is being performed this weekend in the Wilson Blackbox.
"To me, [Metz] is one of the great Broadway voices," Bauer said.
In addition to the cast of impressive, mature theatrical talent, McCarter annually seasons the performance with 12 Princeton-area children.
This year McCarter is cooperating with a non-profit N.J. organization called Kids-For-Kids, Inc. Ticket holders are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items or unwrapped toys to any performance time.
Kids-For-Kids will give the gifts to abused, impoverished, emotionally disturbed and physically impaired children in the area.
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