“Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs A Christmas Carol Again” reviewed by Frank Meccia

***** For many of us, December isn’t complete without at least one encounter with A Christmas Carol. Maybe it’s Alastair Sim scowling his way toward redemption, or George C. Scott dominating the screen with that gravelly gravitas. Or perhaps it’s the annual pilgrimage to a local stage production—almost every major city has one. But this year, Theatre Wit offers something truly special: Charles Dickens himself returning to deliver his famed public reading.

From the moment you step into Theatre 1, at Theatre Wit  the atmosphere transports you. A glowing Christmas tree stands warmly beside a green-draped stage. A podium—an exact replica of Dickens’ own—waits beneath portraits of the author frozen mid-reading. And then, in perhaps the most charming touch of all, Bing Crosby’s Christmas album drifts from a real, honest-to-goodness vinyl turntable—a delightful novelty for anyone under 25, and a nostalgic embrace for the rest of us.

“Charles Dickens,” portrayed by the exceptional Blake Montgomery, greets each guest personally with a candy cane and the offer of a cup of English tea. He explains that his tradition of public readings began in 1848, and—by some twist of theatrical magic—he is still at it 177 years later. But tonight, he hopes to offer something new. The ghosts, however, have other plans.

As the lights drop into darkness, each portrait of Dickens glows in soft focus, creating an uncanny sense of presence. It’s here that Lee Fiskness’s extraordinary lighting design takes command—shifting tone, guiding mood, and even conjuring the ghosts themselves. Fiskness is the true architect of the show’s supernatural magic, and his work elevates the entire piece.
Montgomery’s performance is spellbinding. Dressed in a beautifully weathered Victorian ensemble (and sporting a wig so expertly crafted by Megan Pirtle that even from the front row it appeared completely natural), he delivers Dickens’ text as it was written—neither the stage-play adaptations we know nor the softened film versions, but the original literary voice. For 90 uninterrupted minutes, his rich, resonant cadence holds the audience utterly rapt. The time slides by effortlessly, especially with a warm mug of tea or cocoa in hand.

Director Jonathan Berry—another standout from Northwestern’s theatre program—guides the piece with understated confidence, allowing the simplicity of the format and the strength of Montgomery’s performance to shine without distraction.

Running 1 hour and 40 minutes with no intermission, the show feels both intimate and expansive, a rare blend of theatrical craft and historical homage. It isn’t merely a reading—it’s an immersion into Victorian storytelling, delivered with affection, artistry, and a touch of cozy holiday magic.

“Charles Dickens Grudgingly Performs A Christmas Carol” runs through December 28 with performances as follows:

Thursdays        8 p.m.

Fridays             8 p.m.

Saturdays        8 p.m.

Sundays           3 pm,

and additional shows on December 27 at 3 pm and 8 pm. (No performance on December 25.)

Tickets are $30/$40, and Theatre Wit is located at 1229 W. Belmont.

Box Office: 773-975-8150

Running Time: 1hr, 40mins

DickensAgain.com

This production is truly one-of-a-kind. If you only see one holiday show this season, and you like Dickens, make it this one.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs A Christmas Carol Again”

photos Joe Mazza/Brave Lux Inc.