By Zach Dunkin
Since 1990 Janet Allen has stood by as a parade of talented directors came to the Indiana Repertory Theater to lead the way on one of her favorite stage productions, “A Christmas Carol.” Not this time. The theater’s executive artistic director is holding the reins as director when the holiday classic runs through Dec. 24.
“I return to making of this joyous play for the first time since 1998,” Allen said. “I have directed it many times but this time is a very humbling experience.
“I’m delighted to help guide this group of actors, whose collective experience with this tale is powerful and deep, through the task of making it sing for three generations of Hoosiers,” she added.
Many of Indy’s favorite actors return to the IRT stage, including Ryan Artzberger, who will again take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, along with Chuck Goad as Marley’s ghost. Others returning include Scot Greenwell, Rob Johansen, Constance Macy, Robert Neal, Emily Ristin and Milicent Wright. Amanda Cantina, Jeremy Fisher and Charles Pasternak make their debut.
Since 1990, IRT theater-goers have enjoyed the Charles Dickens classic, the story of a bitter old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation into a gentler, kindlier man after visitations by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.
“There is, perhaps, no other story, so capable of turning our heads this time of year,” Allen said.
The 16-member, child inclusive cast will appear in Victorian-era costumes on a candlelit and snow-covered stage.
“What always fills my heart with joy in watching ‘A Christmas Carol’ are the hidden, surprising moments of generosity from characters from whom we least expect it,” Allen said. “Often, these characters have very little in the way of material possessions or wealth; what they have instead is a sense of the promise of humanity and the joy of reaching out to others.”
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at irtlive.com.
