I’ve seen A Christmas Carol many times in my life, through multiple mediums and numerous renditions.
The Muppet Christmas Carol, Jim Carrey’s A Christmas Carol, Bill Murray’s Scrooged, Bugs Bunny’s A Christmas Carol: I’ve seen each of those and more. Every rendition I’ve witnessed has touched me in one way or another, but none has ever pulled at my heartstrings the way that the Belfry Theatre’s production of the famous Charles Dickens original did.
Michael Shamata, as always, brought in his spark of Belfry flavour by setting the stage in a way that brought the audience into the story, used props in a tactful way, and used rich and substantial dialogue and story flow.
There were many moments where I was holding back tears; there were times I was laughing out loud; there were parts where I was really feeling for the characters. The chosen actors play their parts well, have great character development, and engage the audience so you really feel for them (hence the tears).
Watching this performance left me thinking about the monumental development old Ebenezer Scrooge went through; the riveting performance and sincerity of his character shines through Tom McBeath. Shamata did a great job of putting a focus on how Scrooge’s past impacted the miserable Christmas-hating person that he had become.
This performance of A Christmas Carol made me ready for Christmas, got my spirits high, and motivated me in my own life to try and not let negative experiences bring me down.
The Belfry’s rendition of A Christmas Carol is recommended to anyone who wants a heartfelt, moving, and compelling theatrical experience.
A Christmas Carol
Until December 16
Belfry Theatre, $25-$40
belfry.bc.ca