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Davis Journal

A Christmas Carol — a timeless classic

Dec 10, 2020 01:41PM ● By Becky Ginos

By Becky Ginos | [email protected]

CENTERVILLE— CenterPoint Legacy Theatre ushers in the holiday season with Charles Dicken’s beloved tale of redemption and love in “A Christmas Carol.” The story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a selfish, miserly man who despises Christmas and everything about it is told by a cast of 15 actors who weave in and out of 60 characters in a unique telling of the classic book. Although the production has been modified in an effort to keep actors safe, it still has the same magic. 

It is Christmas Eve and as usual, Scrooge doesn’t see any reason to celebrate, rebuffing invitations to join in the merriment with an angry, “Humbug.” However, this Christmas Eve will be like none other. As Scrooge tries to sleep, he is startled awake by his dead partner Jacob Marley who is laden with the chains of greed and selfishness. Marley begs Scrooge to change his ways before he suffers the same fate. Marley warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits who will help him see the folly of his ways.

First, the Ghost of Christmas Past shows him what might have been followed by the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Future who shows him what is to come. The story comes alive with talented actors who take the audience on a journey of love and kindness through music, creative costumes and projections depicting scenes from Scrooge’s life. 

Nick Cash embodies the role of Scrooge, from grumbling “Humbug” to everyone he meets to dancing through the town with joy after he wakes and finds it is still Christmas morning and he has a chance to change.

Newcomer McGuire Bingham gives a heartwarming performance as Tiny Tim, the crippled boy who is always optimistic despite his circumstances. His father, Bob Crachit (John Lee Roring) is Scrooge’s longsuffering employee who must beg Scrooge to pay him in advance so that he can take care of his family on Christmas. When Scrooge has his change of heart, he buys the biggest turkey in town and has it delivered to the Crachit family who are shocked by his sudden generosity.

In the end, Scrooge is a changed man who goes about helping those in need and making amends with those he rejected in the past. During these trying times, “A Christmas Carol” is a reminder that there are still things to be grateful for and a little kindness goes a long way.

“A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 19 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Other shows in December include “We Need a Lot of Christmas” on Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and “It’s A Wonderful Life, A Radio Play” Dec. 11 through Dec. 22 Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. 

For more information or tickets visit centerpointtheatre.org.