By Liz Keill

Published December 11, 2024 at 11:44 AM

CHATHAM, NJ – The Charles Dickens perennial tale of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and  residents of London comes vividly to life in Chatham Players’ ”A Christmas Carol.”

Part of what makes this version so appealing is the spot-on direction and choreography by Amanda Papa and Matt Mancuso. As they note, it is a ghost story and even Dickens learns in the telling.

There are superb performances by Jonathan Richards as Ebenezer Scrooge and the versatile Chris Prestera as Charles Dickens.  I’m not sure how much seeing Dickens on stage really matters, but he occasionally adds insights we might miss otherwise. He also understands and visualizes the ravages of poverty.

The songs add a contrasting dimension, especially when Scrooge’s worldly goods are being sold off after his death during the Ghost of Christmas Future.  Their “Cheery Oh Ta Ta” in “The Pawnbroker’s Song” is gleefully performed by Rebecca Iacovitti, Heather Corzine, Paul Salierno and Ed Faver.

The Fezziwig scene is especially appealing, with Mr. Fezziwig (Nick Foil) and his wife (Iacovitti) leading off a sprightly “Dance with Your Dumplin’, Dance with Your Tart.” All of these visits to the past help us see how Ebenezer could have taken a different path and led a happier life.

Jason Benjamin as Bob Cratchit brings a grace and depth to the role, which is usually played as rather diminished  and broken down.  It helps that he can sing and dance in “Not Tomorrow” along with his family as they anticipate Christmas Day.  The tragic scene in Act II, “If I Could Hold You in My Arms” is touching  when sung by Benjamin and Lisa Wolper as Mrs. Cratchit. Then we have an adorable Tiny Tim, played by Leo Caravano. The large cast keeps it all moving, with varied roles, as the play moves along.

This version of the classic, adapted from writings and letters of Charles Dickens by Philip Wm. McKinley, gives us a greater sense of street life in London in 1843. Roy S. Pancirov designed the flexible set. Costumes by Frances Harrison and Beth Gleason reflect the styles of the time. Kudos to the musicians, with arrangements by Kyle Cao, that enhance the setting without overwhelming the actors.

“A Christmas Carol” continues through Dec. 21. For tickets, call 973-635-7363 or visit chathamplayers.org.  The Playhouse is located 23 North Passaic Avenue, Chatham.