A Christmas Carol - meet director Michael J. Baker, Jr.



I have had the distinct pleasure of portraying “Scrooge” five times under the tutelage of some wonderful directors – Roland Gomez, Rachael Keep Hubbard and Donna Ferragut. In addition, each of these productions has had the deft musical touch of Linda Wells. My journey as Scrooge has given me an everted view of A Christmas Carol and the Dickensian terrain as a whole. I have endeavored to sculpt a portion of the tale from the actor’s perspective - how Scrooge perceives the world and his audience, instead of the reverse. In addition, things discussed but never seen come to life in this latest LTA rendition. The chapel, the schoolhouse, Scrooge’s bed chambers, Marley’s underworld and Scrooge’s own funeral procession are but a few of the new revelations. Each serves to enrich Scrooge’s metamorphosis and highlight the play’s overall themes of gratitude, generosity, and hope. Even Ali Baba, a childhood favorite of Dickens, and other self-proclaimed visions come to life in this rendition, exemplifying Dicken’s invisible world of "Fancy," and his love of literature and the imagination.

Little Theatre’s talented team of producers, designers actors, and volunteers have fashioned the stage in the mold of an 1843 Dickens Village. All that is left is for you to take this journey with us. As you watch -  “Reflect upon your present blessings – of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some. Fill your glass again, with a merry face and contented heart. Our lives go on, but your Christmas shall be merry, and your new year a happy one!”

-Charles Dickens

One last comment. I decided to direct A Christmas Carol for the opportunity to work with the folks at LTA that I have admired for years. Their dedication to the magic of theatre is unparalleled. I feel like a kid at Christmas when I enter their world.

 

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