As destiny would have it, a shifting of traditions at two main Bay Space theater homes in 2024 has basic curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge saying, “Bye, humbug.”
However to not concern, foggy London lovers. American Conservatory Theater’s beloved model of “A Christmas Carol,” tailored by former inventive director Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh, was retired a 12 months in the past. That custom, which ran for 18 years, has given option to a brand new retelling written by Craig Lucas (“Prelude to a Kiss,” “Paradise Square”).
ACT’s world premiere of “A Whynot Christmas Carol,” working via Dec. 24, might not be the Charles Dickens basic that’s produced at each degree of theater, however it’s nonetheless tailored from the identical supply materials.
Whereas a number of variations of “A Christmas Carol” have been working at ACT since 1976, with Perloff and Walsh’s model saying goodbye in 2023, new variations have the flexibility to maintain the story recent, bridging a number of generations to Dickens’ authentic novella that was revealed in 1843.
“The source material is evergreen and fantastic, and it’s an incredible, sweeping and emotional story,” mentioned ACT’s inventive director Pam MacKinnon, who can be directing the present, commissioned by ACT in 2019. “I love a good ghost story, and that’s sort of at the core what ‘A Christmas Carol’ is. But you know, at a certain point you want an adaptation that feels fresh.”
Over on the east facet of the Bay, Heart Repertory Firm in Walnut Creek is getting ready for the swan music of their very own model of “Carol,” which is able to conclude Dec. 22 after its nineteenth 12 months. Matt M. Morrow has been inventive director of the Heart REP since Could of 2023, and was introduced in to steer the corporate via some important upcoming milestones, together with their thirty fifth anniversary celebrated on the Lesher Heart for the Arts. Being introduced in to be a ahead thinker means Morrow was liable for wanting on the firm’s personal shift with “Carol,” which is able to transfer in the direction of a brand new model in 2025.
One equation that has modified considering all through the trade was the pause in theater programming throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Firms massive and small noticed a lower in viewers revenues, making fundraising campaigns a staple for a lot of arts and theater organizations.
Morrow spent the final 12 months finding out Heart REP’s common Christmas custom, and sees this second as a possibility to make such a wealthy a part of the corporate’s historical past extra expansive.
“The world is a very different place coming out of COVID, and that also means we’re different, you know?” Morrow mentioned. “How we invite people into our organization and participate in these traditions has inherently changed. And as much as we need to focus on traditions and what makes ‘A Christmas Carol’ and any sort of holiday programming compelling and attractive to our community, we always need to be looking at how we can expand and grow upon that tradition.”
These traditions of seeing the identical play yearly would possibly really feel static for some observers, however MacKinnon and Morrow disagree with that sentiment. The teachings throughout the story of Scrooge are vital to revisit throughout the holidays, with people just like the mild Bob Cratchitt and his hopeful youngster Tiny Tim supplied to audiences who yearn for a seasonal consolation meal, permitting for a renewed view of humanity. There’s nothing static about that.
“It’s very easy to lock into this story because everyone can understand it’s about second chances, redemption, and it’s a story that’s deeply human,” Morrow mentioned. “Within the story, you can see yourself and the struggles you have been through. “Scrooge is coming face-to-face with his mortality and changing as a result.”
Change is a deep metaphor for what is going on within the area with this acquainted story. Whereas a sure kind of theatrical Scrooge has moved and is transferring into the previous historical past of each firms, shifting in the direction of a brand new and vibrant vacation lore nonetheless imbued with familiarity is thrilling. For ACT, MacKinnon remarked that she is inspired by the early and enthusiastic returns in entrance of preview homes, which have included numerous youngsters and households prepared to start out their vacation traditions anew.
“I think specifically of some people I know that literally grew up with the previous adaptation, and now they’re in their mid-20s,” MacKinnon mentioned. “Some are feeling lost for sure, but I’m hopeful that when they see this play, because it is adapting the same source material, that they will get that fantastic hit of a known story, as well as an additional way to look at “this known story.”
David John Chávez is chair of the American Theater Critics/Journalists Affiliation and a two-time juror for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2022-23). @davidjchavez.bsky.social
‘A WHY NOT A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
By Craig Lucas, offered by American Conservatory Theater
By: Dec. 24
The place: Toni Rembe Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco
Operating time: 2 hours with an intermission
Tickets: $29-$151; www.act-sf.org
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‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
Tailored by Cynthia Caywood and Richard L. James, offered by Heart Repertory Firm
By: Dec. 22
The place: Lesher Heart for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Operating time: 2 hours with an intermission
Tickets: $37-$89; www.centerrep.org
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