The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s (IRT) annual production of “A Christmas Carol” continues to enchant audiences, blending tradition with fresh energy. This year’s rendition breathes new life into the classic tale while staying true to its timeless heart.
Under the direction of cara hinh, the IRT’s “A Christmas Carol” delivers a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
The production masterfully balances Charles Dicken’s nostalgia with contemporary touches, from its simply affective set design to familiar performances, especially Rob Johansen as Scrooge. This adaptation captures the essence of redemption and generosity, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for the holiday spirit.
IRT’s production of “A Christmas Carol” has been a Hoosier favorite since 1996. Adapted by playwright Tom Haas, artistic director of the IRT from 1980 until his untimely death in 1991, the play became a tradition following its success early on.
The classic tale by Dickens has been adapted several times. The IRT’s version of “A Christmas Carol” is characterized by a stage overflowing with fluffy snow, a quirky, off-beat script and a slew of creative costuming.
Johansen’s Scrooge is hilariously humbug and delightfully jolly. His attitude towards others in the beginning is starkly contrasted with his full heart that has grown three times its size by the end. The scale of emotion is evident throughout the performance where happy and sad tears were shed in the audience and on stage.
Ryan Artzberger, who played Bob Cratchit, Marley and Topper, is a returning member who delights. His defiant spirit as Cratchit shines through, and you can feel his fatherly love when he’s on stage with Henry Kirk, who plays Tiny Tim.
Sean Blake, who played Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Present and the Undertaker, shined in an extravagant costume as the ghost. His larger-than-life stage presence had the audience shaking with laughter.
In addition to an outstanding cast, the set design is always a pleasure to see in action.
The moving set pieces, the small details and the originality of the choreography always amaze me. One object can represent three different things in one scene, and the viewer wouldn’t know it. The overabundance of snow onto the front row’s lap is a tradition that never disappoints and makes the stage feel like you’re out in the cold to go for a sled.
The costumes were unique, as always.
The ghosts are vastly different in their representations. The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Natasia Reinhardt, was decked out in a bright white and glittery pantsuit that allowed her to float and spin, while the Ghost of Christmas Present was almost royal, wearing a long warm cape and a tall crown and staff.
In contrast, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, played by Kenneth La’Ron Hamilton, was just scraps of fabric creeping and crawling around stage in an eerie, frightening way.
The audience ranged from elders, to parents, to teens to small children. Every walk of life relished the spectacular costumes, the simply magical set design, the familiar performances and the classic tale.
The return of “A Christmas Carol” to the IRT’s stage is a beloved one and one that I’m sure the circle city will see again next year.
The IRT’s “A Christmas Carol” is running from Nov. 13- Dec. 24. To buy tickets and to read more about the show, visit irtlive.com.
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
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