Chicago Theatre Review

Daily Archives: December 7, 2013

One Dickens of a Show

December 7, 2013 Comments Off on One Dickens of a Show

A Christmas Carol

get-attachment.aspxWhoever would’ve thought that a novella published back in 1843 London would not only become the most-told Christmas story of all time; it would even rival the story of the first Christmas in familiarity. There have been, and will no doubt continue to be, more versions and adaptations of Dickens’ story of Scrooge’s redemption than anyone can count. M.E.H. Lewis’ new adaptation is good, but director Shifra Werch’s production could use some tweaking.

Matthew Hallstein makes a good Scrooge, possessing a rich, commanding baritone that can level the youngest carolers or drive away even the most benevolent charity collectors. He fully understands the nature of the old miser and the dialogue Lewis has given him. The problem stems from his pacing. Scrooge has to be the driving force of this play and Hallstein simply takes too many moments of “reflection” to keep the story moving. At times Hallstein seems as if he’s stalling until he can recall his next line; but in retrospect, it’s more likely a directing choice. As a result, the rhythm becomes slow or staccato. When Mr. Hallstein is on a roll his Scrooge is a real fireball, but every time he stops to ponder the situation the play’s momentum comes to a halt.

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