By Chris Brown
Actors’ Theater of Louisville’s 2005 production of the Charles Dicken’s classic “A Christmas Carol” offers theater-goers a taste of tradition mixed with a flare of change.
The play follows the story of stingy Ebinezer Scrooge, a wealthy English business man who “ba hum bugs” away the Christmas joy of everyone he meets. His sad sentiments toward the holiday are quickly turned around after visits by three forboding spiritis show what the past, present and future will hold should the miser not change his crotchety ways.
If you haven’t seen the local theater company’s annual production before, 2005 may be one of the best seasons yet to create a new tradition. This year’s production features a cast of both experienced actors who have had rolls in the show year after year, as well as new faces who have joined the cast this holiday season. Theatrical snow showers combined with the warm carols the cast sings during the friendly-show will bring a bit of the holiday spirit to old, young and everyone in between.
Those who make it a yearly practice to visit the Pamela Brown auditorium at the downtown Louisville theater may be in for a surpise, though. The show features a trio of spectors, surprisingly made-over from years past. Those looking forward to the familiar ghosts they remember may have to look elsewhere this year. Additionally, where the production has grown in visual effects, it lacks in the often fan-favorite song and dance that accompanies the show’s series of Christmas parties.
Nevertheless, put your hopes of musical marvels aside and give Actors updated production a chance. Maybe you’ll find something new among the improvements to fit your fancy.
