Poor, famous Charles Dickens! Scheduled to perform a reading of “A Christmas Carol” for
expectant audiences for the 171st consecutive year.
The thrill of these rote readings long gone, he admits his creative juices dried up back in 1870.
“There are some who thought I had died, and in a sense, maybe I had,” he says. “After all, I
stopped writing with Edwin Drood.”
Will Dickens ever get his Christmas spirit back?
He jettisons his well-worn prompt book to conspiratorially suggest we try something new: a
Christmas party with charades and Twenty Questions, punch drinking and dancing.
The spirits that annually haunt Scrooge, however, have other plans for the evening.
Such is the premise of Blake Montgomery’s zany, spooky and tender reimagining of “A
Christmas Carol” as told from the point of view of its world-renowned author.
Originally performed in 2011 and 2012 while he was artistic director of The Building Stage,
Montgomery reprises the show 10 years later for the current run at The Den Theatre.
It’s a handsome production. Creative credit goes to Pamela Maurer (scenic), Izumi Inaba
(costume) and Megan E. Pirtle (wig) for the physical look of the show.
The audience enters a salon-like room. Red velvet chairs stand in neat rows facing a raised
stage with a table and podium. Gilded portraits of the author line the walls. Crystal chandeliers
hang from the ceiling, and a festive Christmas tree takes up a corner near the stage.
Montgomery delivers a disarming portrayal of Dickens. Nattily dressed from head to toe in
period tuxedo and tails, lace up boots, and a very convincing wig. Every inch the consummate
host, he makes each guest feel personally welcomed into the space. [Note: arrive early if you
want to order a holiday cocktail from the Den’s bartender.]
The vibe is wonderfully off-the-cuff and intimate, which is fitting, because Montgomery’s main
themes are figuring out how to recapture the magic of a special event once it becomes a
tradition; how to identify the beating heart of a literary or dramatic work once it becomes a
juggernaut (yes Goodman Theatre, this means you!); and how to genuinely connect with and
enjoy precious time spent with others.
As someone without prior experience of the show, two things stood out to me as especially
noteworthy.
First, is the opportunity to see a vocally and physically gifted actor and improvisor like
Montgomery up close. He roams through the house, ad-libbing Victorian era chit chat, engaging
playfully, respectfully, and individually with his guests, treating us as fellow humans sharing an
experience with him.
The second thing that struck me was the potent magic of Dickens’ actual text as recited by
Montgomery. How well the imagination works in allowing us to see the scenes described when
all other stimulation and technology is stripped away.
This season Chicago audiences are spoiled for choice with several versions of “A Christmas
Carol” as well as other holiday shows on offer. But for a homegrown original, that is witty,
heartfelt and (mostly) true to Dickens – this one is not to be missed.
“Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs A Christmas Carol Again” created and performed by
Blake Montgomery runs Dec. 5 to 22 at The Den Theatre. For tickets and more information visit
Caption: Blake Montgomery as Charles Dickens. Photography by Joe Mazza |
For more reviews go to https://www.theatreinchicago.com
I wasn't sold on another Christmas Carol. Never been a huge fan of the story. But this was amazing!
I really recommend it. Not only is it funny, but it is very dynamic with lots of energy. A Christmas Carol always feels like it loses pacing and drags a bit. Not this version! Any time the story itself loses punchiness, Montgomery steps in with commentary and humor to keep the audience engaged and interested.
I think its much more honest and interesting than the most traditional performances. I have a much greater appreciate of the work than I've ever had.