“A Christmas Carol” MILWAUKEE Reviewed by Amy Menzel

***** Breathing new life into a classic is one of the things the Milwaukee Repertory Theater does best, and Artistic Director Mark Clements’ adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel is The Rep’s annual exemplar. Milwaukee-based actor (and theater-fan favorite) Matt Daniels returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge and is surrounded by a talented and passionate cast eager to share this tale of the miserly old fellow who, thanks to the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, is changed after seeing the error of his ways.

A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater is an experience. The deep jewel tones of the set, costumes, and lighting mesh beautifully with the velvet seating and gilded architecture of the house; it all sweeps the audience into the 19th century English action. Although much of the scene will be familiar to returning audiences, there’s obvious attention, given some small changes and subtle surprises, to ensure that this season’s experience is magical for all.

The saying “If it ain’t broke…” comes to mind, and while there’s certainly nothing to fix from year to year, The Rep doesn’t rest on their laurels and is determined to mix it up a bit. Kevin Kantor brings a fresh take to the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past and Luke Drope plays a powerful Tiny Tim this season. And, per tradition, there are five Milwaukee VIP walk-on guests again this year, including Top Chef Finalist, head chef and co-owner of DanDan and EsterEv, Dan Jacobs (Tuesday, December 17).

I admire the care with which The Rep handles this production. They understand its importance to the Milwaukee community. Attending A Christmas Carol is a way to celebrate the joy of the season and to reflect, together, on the importance of doing good by one another. Once again, The Rep has taken the opportunity to promote the work of a local charity. This year they collect donations for Community Advocates, an organization whose mission is to provide individuals and families with advocacy and services to meet their basic needs so they may live in dignity. You can read more about at Community Advocates and find out how to help at communityadvocates.net.

While you’re online, I urge you to check out The Rep’s video galleries. Regular readers might recall that I often tout The Rep’s media presence. Forgive the pun, but The Rep’s media presence is a gift to theater fans. (Happy holidays!) Not only do you get a glimpse into every production and a peek behind the curtain, but you also get a sense of what each show means to the creators and cast. Sure, this is all evident on stage in performance, but there’s even more meaning conveyed in these short video clips. In a conversation about this year’s production, for instance, Daniels (Ebenezer Scrooge), explains that, “the story hasn’t changed. You have. It’s what makes us grow as human beings – is having that sense of ‘oh, I’m not alone in what I’m going through.’”

I know I’m not alone in loving this holiday tradition. The Milwaukee Rep’s A Christmas Carol reminds us that festive hugs are still in style this season, as are the feelings of hope and happiness.

★★★★★

A Christmas Carol runs now through December 24 at the Pabst Theater. Tickets can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com.

The show is 2 hours and 10 minutes with one intermission.

Tuesday* – Friday – 7 p.m.
*Tuesday, December 24 – 12 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sundays – 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
+ Monday, December 23 – 7 p.m.

An ASL performance will be staged Wednesday, December 11 at 7 p.m.