” A Christmas Carol”- Milwaukee Rep reviewed by Amy Menzel

[rating=5]A beautiful holiday tradition continues with The Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s 47th annual production of A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater. Artistic director Mark Clements’ adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel is innovative and engaging and makes for an immersive and mesmerizing experience for young (I took my nine-year-old niece) and old(-ish – me).

It may take Ebenezer Scrooge until the end of the second act to crack a smile, but I was grinning from ear to ear the moment the cast took the stage. There’s an energy to this performance and, despite the fact that, presumably, many audience members know the story that followed, an air of anticipation and eagerness filled the house Friday night

I’m not sure anyone could have anticipated the transformative power of Milwaukeean Matt Daniel’s performance of Scrooge, however. The Julliard-trained actor grabs the audience and never lets go, and we’re all off on the journey led by the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Future.

I didn’t want to take my eyes off the stage – the set design, lighting, and costuming are as intricate as they are stunning – but I did steal some glances to watch my niece take it all in. She shuddered and snuggled in when the Ghost of Marley appeared and her eyes and her smile both widened watching the cast dance during Fezziwig’s holiday party scene. “It’s snowing!” she excitedly whispered when snow seemed to fall from the chandelier above, and she “awww”ed at the heartwarming scenes towards the end. She, too, was in awe of Daniel’s performance and later noted “his face” as her favorite part of the show (by which, I assure you, she means his facial expressions).

‘Tis the season for giving and The Rep has given Milwaukee a true gift. A fantastic production, yes; moreover, a memory-making experience. My niece gave me a few festive hugs to thank me for a wonderful night out together. And she’s looking forward to making festive hugs a new part of our family holiday tradition.

★★★★★

A Christmas Carol runs now through December 24 at the Pabst Theater.

Performances are as follows:

Tuesdays  7 p.m.

Wednesdays  7 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.   on December 23rd     2 p.m.

Saturdays  2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.   on December 24th  noon and 4:30 p.m.

The Pabst theater is located at 108 East Water Street

Tickets can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com.