No doubt there are many in the Indianapolis arts community who still remember Tom Haas, the respected trail-blazing artistic director of the Indiana Repertory Theatre company from 1980 until his untimely death in 1991.
However, those who never knew him are fortunate that they can at least benefit from his legacy by way of experiencing his adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, directed by Richard J. Roberts, which opened Saturday and continues until Dec. 24. Produced annually by IRT from 1980 until 1984, it returned in 1996 and has since become a central Indiana holiday tradition.
Set in Victorian-era London, A Christmas Carol recounts the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. After visits from his late partner Jacob Marley and ghosts of the past, present and future, Scrooge discovers the error of his ways, undergoes profound change and ultimately achieves redemption. Ironically, the same issues explored by Dickens the reformer related to capitalism, greed and poverty, are still highly relevant.
It’s a unique adaptation, in that the actors all are storytellers as they deliver fast-paced dialogue that serves as narration within a 90-minute time frame with no intermission.
Ryan Artzberger, as Scrooge, reprised the role that he took over last year from Chuck Goad, who played it for 11 seasons. Making the role his own, Artzberger departed from the typical Scrooge portrayal. He played his own age (40ish), rather than elderly. He wore a buzz cut rather than long gray hair, was clean-shaven rather than bearded and was intense, hostile and intimidating, rather than merely cranky, mean and stingy.
Artzberger’s gradual transformation from the abusive Scrooge to the new-and-improved sweet and generous version was highly nuanced, as was his overall portrayal of someone broken and wounded who finds recovery.
Supporting Artzberger was a fine multi-racial company of many popular local actors and others playing multiple roles. They included David Alan Anderson, Matthew Brumlow, Minita Gandhi, Mark Goetzinger, Jennifer Johansen, Rob Johansen, Constance Macy, Robert Neal, Ben Tebbe and Cora Vander Broek.
Kalea Spurlock, who played Tiny Tim, was one of five young actors (Mackenzie Isaac, Cullen Oakes, Nolan Oakes, and Sally Root) in the cast who also played multiple roles. Known as the “green team,” they alternated in performances with another group of five performers who constitute the “red team.”
Rob Johansen and Constance Macy turned out especially appealing performances as the loving Bob Cratchit and Mrs. Cratchit, and David Alan Anderson was a standout in his remarkably robust interpretation of jovial Fezziwig.
Production elements contributing to the show’s uniqueness included a bare, raked stage covered with synthetic snow that also occasionally fell, trap doors that were used for quick entrances and exits and a huge gold frame that was frequently and cleverly used as a prop.
The play’s design team was successful in evoking not only industrial-era London, but also creating the mood of Scrooge’s world, which is primarily dark, bleak and ominous but suitably bright and hopeful during moments of love, joy, camaraderie and transformation within the play. Russell Metheny designed the set, Murell Horton the costumes, Michael Lincoln the lighting and Andrew Hopson the show’s music score and sound.
For tickets and more information about A Christmas Carol, call the Indiana Repertory Theatre ticket office at (317) 635-5252 or visit www.irtlive.com.
