Brightest Young Things

( A Ghost Story of Christmas)
By Charles Dickens
Directed by Michael Baron

I'll admit it, I am a sucker for a good holiday story- How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Home Alone ( 1 and 2 only), even the Nativity Story is up there but nothing compares for my love of A Christmas Carol. Sure, it goes hand in hand with my love of Dickens novels, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a solid story with a moral for us all at the end. It has become my "get into the holiday spirit" go to story every year. It will warm my insides and bring a little tear to my eye every time. If you are one of the few (and I hope very few) that don’t actually know about Scrooge and his ghost visits and Tiny Tim and not being a horrible cheapskate and dying alone, do me a favor and google it.

Anyway, I was lucky enough to see A Christmas Carol at Ford's theater twice. I attended the press viewing last week but I enjoyed it so much I got tickets to see it again this weekend with my boyfriend ( hence the late review). I mean, what can I say? This performance is awesome. There is singing, dancing, holiday merriment, flying golden ghosts, flying scary ghosts, children with British accents, extravagant costumes , a lavish set, snow , humor, sadness and a whole lotta Scrooge.

Director Michael Baron doesn’t stray much from the original story. No gimmicky recreation in say, the 1970s New York City or current day DC. And why should he? This is Dickens people. We need London smog, lumps of coal and factories. Only then can we really feel like it's authentic. Victorian London is brought alive with the rhythm of heavy accents, the bustle of street urchins and the carols sung between scenes by the entire cast. Not only does this lighten the mood set by the somber Scrooge, it creates a more dynamic and fast paced energy. I found myself wanting to sing along and sway to and fro. It's jolly!!

Edward Gero has the Scrooge persona down. Cynical, grimacing, heartless. His snide remarks and gruesome faces make you cower in your seat. You're almost happy he has to suffer through a night of ghost visitations. But as the night progresses, his softer side comes out. Gero slowly reveals his insecurities, his fears and eventually his heart. And indeed, this is a truly heartfelt performance of the tale. As classic as story can get. His evolution is gradual, natural and completely believable. When Scrooge comes to his senses Christmas morning, Gero's eyes sparkle with glee. He prances about the stage in utter joy and amusement.

That’s when you know: Christmas is here.

Playing at Fords theatre from now til January 3rd. Take someone you love and hold hands.
http://www.fordstheatre.org/

Previously in Live DC:

• 2/13: LiveDC: George Clinton & The Parliament-Funkadelic @ 930 Club
• 2/13: LiveDC: Veronica Falls/ Brilliant Colors @ Black Cat
• 2/13: LIVE DC: Steve Aoki/ Datsik/ Alvin Risk @ Fillmore
• 2/13: LiveDC: The Darkness @ 930 Club
• 2/9: LiveDC: Theophilus London @ 930 Club
• 2/9: Best Weekend Bets
• 2/8: LiveDC: Kathleen Edwards @ 930 Club
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/7: LiveDC: Demetri Martin @ Warner Theatre