From the moment my family and I sat down and prepared to watch the media sneak preview of Reno Little Theater’s newest show, Samuel Kebede’s A Christmas Carol, two things were clear: First, it was going to be fun, and second, we were probably going to be part of it. It was the two actors (Jessica Johnson and Kristina Charpentier) roaming the theater—with their musical instruments, reindeer antlers and cheeky repartee with attendees—who tipped me off.
Then, as the curtains parted to reveal a confused and cranky Scrooge (played, incidentally, by a woman, Judy Davis Rounds) as he finds himself on stage with them, I instantly knew a third thing about the show: This wasn’t the same old story.
I mean, it is the same story in that it’s still set in Victorian England and tells the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, his reckoning with ghosts, and his eventual redemption. But Kebede, an actor and standup comic, has made some significant updates to the classic Dickens tale. First, though the dialogue all says the same stuff, the actual language has been modernized, with plenty of ironic humor and tongue-in-cheek nods to pop culture and contemporary societal issues woven throughout.
Another major adjustment is in the cast size; to be precise, the cast is almost entirely gone, save for the two antlered actors you meet at the start, who have the daunting responsibility of playing pretty much every other non-Scrooge character. (I say “pretty much” because there’s a bit of an … immersive surprise awaiting audiences.)
Finally, although the bones of the story and characters remain, some memorable details have been changed. Take, for example, our three spirits, who include an amateur magician and a social media influencer. And although we all remember the fellow who approaches Scrooge to ask for a donation to the poor (“Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?”), Kebede’s version has Scrooge being accosted in the streets by a slew of charity workers, including immigrant rights activists and Norwegians concerned about climate change—and all deliver their appeals through song.
Also, yes, it’s a musical, but with relatively few musical numbers that are not the primary dialogue-delivery method.
The RLT production is gender-blind and double cast; though Davis Rounds plays Scrooge every night, Actors 1 and 2 alternate: Charpentier and Johnson take the helm on opening weekend, and AJ Clopton and Eli Espinosa step in the following week, with the casts alternating through the end of the run (Dec. 14).
Though I can speak only to the cast I caught, I can confidently report that Actors 1 and 2 absolutely steal the show, with their lighthearted asides to the audience and cleverly managed quick changes—from man to woman to child and back again—that are accomplished with curtains, a few effective props, smart set design and versatile items of clothing. Ultimately, the changes evoke the spontaneity and chaos of a great improv performance.
Charpentier and Johnson are fairly bursting with exuberance and playfulness, and the play’s pacing is energetic and upbeat, unlike Dickens’ original, which at times feels dark and heavy-handed.
Thanks to a deep vocal register and impressive makeup application, Davis Rounds makes a convincing Scrooge who remains in the style of the original, which I consider a wise choice.
Though there’s plenty of humor, it’s always good-natured, resulting in a show that, despite the author’s updates, still speaks of redemption, recognizes the human condition, delights the child in all of us and will leave you feeling uplifted and full of holiday cheer.
A Christmas Carol is now onstage at Reno Little Theater, located at 147 E. Pueblo St. Remaining performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 15, 20-22 and 29 and Dec. 4-6 and 11-13, with matinee shows at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 23 and 30 and Dec. 7 and 14. There will be a post-show talkback with the audience after the Nov. 23 performance. Tickets are $33 general admission, $30 for seniors and $20 for students. Visit www.renolittletheater.org.