It may be getting cold outside, but the production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," will leave audiences with that "oh so warm and fuzzy feeling."
Brought to life at Ford's Theater, the tale of cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge's embracing of the spirit of the season is something that no one should miss. Set in Victorian England, the two-hour play takes audiences through the life of a miserly old man and his change into someone who embraces Christmas in a new way, spreading his cheer to all.
Over the course of the play, Scrooge is visited by four spirits and is forced to revisit the past, see the present in a new light and have a glimpse of what Christmas will be like in the future if he does not mend his ways. Learning to change, Scrooge embraces the spirit of the season and audiences leave with the same Christmas spirit that is seen throughout the play.
While most are familiar with the story of Scrooge, Ford's Theater does a nice job of presenting it in a way that will capture one's imagination. Steven Crossley is excellent as Scrooge and the supporting cast is very convincing. The children in the cast are adorable, especially Brian Jordan Riemer in the role of Tiny Tim.
Both young and old will enjoy this play, especially the merry songs performed by the cast. The numerous musical numbers are well put together, displaying the wide variety of vocal talent.
The scenery, which was redone for this year's production, is realistically painted in the style of Victorian England and the stage transformed into a beautiful town ready for Christmas. The colors and lighting charm to the play and the abundance of red and green adds a spirit of merriment.
Overall, there is nothing dislikable about the play. It is a great way to get into the true Christmas spirit, and get away from the realities of everyday life.
"A Christmas Carol" runs at Ford's Theater, located at 511 10th St., until Dec. 31. Tickets range from $29 to $45 and are available through the Ford's Theater Box Office at (202) 434-9545.
