The audience is welcomed into a dark, cold atmosphere. An eeriness follows for Ebenezer Scrooge and who will visit him through the cold winter night. There is a sense of doom for Scrooge (James “J.J. Jackson) which is felt throughout his performance.
Southeast Texas Stages kicks off the holiday season with “A Christmas Carol.” Nov. 29 through Dec. 14.
The play takes place in London in the 1800s. Scrooge lives his life bitterly shutting out the townspeople’s Christmas spirit. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner Jacob Marley (Logan Manfredi) warning Scrooge of the afterlife. Scrooge is visited by three spirits, Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. He is taught a life lesson and how his future will turn out to be if he continues his bitterness toward people.
Director Melanie Rollins brings the play to life alongside the cast and crew telling the classic Christmas tale.
Jackson’s Scrooge lives up to the expectations. He is expressive in his emotions, verbally and nonverbally with his facial expressions. Jackson makes sure to not leave any part of Scrooge’s infamous character unnoticed.
The spirit of Christmas Past (Abigail Pineda) reminds Scrooge of the life he previously lived. She reminds him that he was not always the bitter old man he is now, and she highlight aspects of his old life he has forgotten.
The spirit of Christmas Present (Ahlexiah Bentley) conveys the gravity of his life. She shows him the gentle warmth of his nephew Fred, as well as the negative comments spoken about Scrooge by the townsfolk. She reminds him of how his disgruntled attitude affects people such as the Cratchits.
The setting transports the audience into the magic of Dickensian Christmas. Costume designer Janice Pattillo does a good job representative the characters and the time period. All the outfits look traditional and realistic.
Choreographers Katelyn Kirk and Leyni Illa-Petersen have ctreated dance numbers that involve multiple characters. For example, at the dance party in Mr. Fezziwig's workplace, the partygoers kick their feet, twirl and spin.
The play is moving and enlightening, and the whole family will enjoy it. The cast does a wonderful telling of the timeless Christmas classic.
“A Christmas Carol” continues Dec. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Southeast Texas Stages is located at 4155 Laurel Ave Beaumont, TX. For tickets, visit setxs.org.
