Buying the Christmas goose: Ebenzer Scrooge (Gary Neal Johnson), Simon (Evan Haas) and the Poulterer (Jake Walker).

Dickens' classic charms for 25th year at KC Rep

By: Jennifer Bhargava

Posted: 12/5/05

Charles Dicken's beloved holiday tale "A Christmas Carol" celebrates its silver anniversary in Kansas City this year.

The Kansas City Repertory Theatre presents their 25th annual production of the Christmas classic, which is being performed at the UMKC Performing Arts Center.

Over half a million people have fallen in love with the Rep's heartfelt version of the play since opening night in 1981.

Once the lights go out and the play begins, it's not hard to understand why.

The cheerful buzz of 19th-century London street life conjured by the actors on stage creates a festive mood. However, within seconds a spooky atmosphere takes hold, as a spot-lit Dickens (Robert Gibby Brand) begins his narrative about the hardened Ebenezer Scrooge (Gary Neal Johnson).

Brand weaves the storyline throughout the play in a way that blends effortlessly with the action and doesn't disrupt the audience's attention.

Johnson triumphs as a near-perfect Scrooge, with impeccable acting and sly charisma. In his sixth season as Scrooge, Johnson grunts "humbug" as though he's been saying it his entire life. The audience is charmed with the unlikable Scrooge throughout his entire humbling journey.

The array of spectacular characters and breathtaking costumes surrounding Scrooge also bring the holiday spirit to life.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future are examples of the brilliant combination which makes the play so magical.

The sparkling Ghost of Christmas Past (Peggy Friesen) practically floats on stage and presents a childlike innocence mirrored in Scrooge's own boyhood. Her flimsy white dress also gives her a fairy-like quality.

Emerging with a table full of delicious holiday treats is The Ghost of Christmas Present (UMKC alumnus Jim Gall), who steals the stage during all his scenes. The jovial giant towers over the audience and cast members, wearing shimmering jewels and a dark velvet gown.

A somber, faceless Ghost of Christmas Future (Brad Shaw) wrapped in a black cloak will make young children squirm in their seats with a simple point of his finger.

Dramatic and comedic moments interlaced in the production bring the audience's emotions full circle.

However, the ghost of Jacob Marley (Larry Greer) looks like a leftover from a Halloween spook house, and his dialogue is practically non-existent over the clamoring of his chains.

Most of the humor involved the bumbling, tipsy Mr. Fezziwig (Michael Linsley Rapport) and his jolly wife (Jeanne Averill) as they celebrated Christmas with traditional English dances.

A more dismal moment is the scene where Belle (Amy Lewis) breaks the heart of a young Scrooge (Michael Andrew Smith). Lewis steals the moment with deepest sincerity and a crushing look that would break any man's heart.

Behind-the-scenes production workers earn kudos for an outstanding performance as well.

The stage beautifully represents Victorian England, with traditional Christmas decorations and painted London buildings.

Special effects, such as fog, sparkles and people appearing "out of nowhere" will delight children and adults alike.

This year's Rep production of "A Christmas Carol" should be the first item on anyone's holiday to-do list. Brilliant acting, lovely costumes and stunning visual effects help a classic tale delight audiences in a new generation.

jbhargava@unews.com