Great Lakes Theater’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ carries a poignant message for these times

This year marks the 36th annual production of Gerald Freedman’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” by Great Lakes Theater. All told over 850,000 have witnessed this extraordinary production over the years and the show has had its seasonal home at the Mimi Ohio Theatre for over a quarter of a century. For many it was their first live theater experience as children who now continue the holiday tradition by bringing their own families to experience the wonder.

What gives this show such staying power? It is a combination of factors. First off is the story itself. It follows the life of a man who has become devoid of all feeling except for his desire for wealth. It is only through a series of life altering experience that he realizes that true riches are measured not in gold but in golden friendship of friends and family. Secondly, it is a top notch production with outstanding performances, wonderful costuming and make-up, stages sets and all manner of special effects.

It is Christmas Eve, 1843 and the Cleaveland family has gathered to sing festive songs and to read their beloved Dickens’ story. Master William (Alex Fynn Kenney or Anthony Patrick Kenney) refuses to go to bed so is allowed to partake in the festivities for the very first time. As the story unfolds, William’s imagination allows him to see with his mind’s eye the entire story. Mother Cleveland (Laura Welsh) begins with “Jacob Marley was dead.” as the children recite their favorite lines.

It is a cold and bleak Christmas Eve in 1840s London at a Victorian time known as “The Hungary 40s” when unemployment and poverty were rampant. It has been seven years since Ebenezer Scrooge’s (Nick Steen) business partner, Jacob Marley (Jeffrey C. Hawkins) had died leaving the aging miser Scrooge to carry on with the lending house. Ebenezer despises Christmas in all its forms feeling that it wastes money on trifles. In short order Scrooge turns down a dinner invitation from his nephew, Fred (Joe Wegner), turns out two men seeking donations for the poor and only grudgingly allows his overworked and underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit (James Alexander Rankin) Christmas day off with pay.

In spite of working for a curmudgeon, Bob Cratchit has plans to spend a jolly Christmas with his family that includes his wife (Laura Welsh) and children Elizabeth (Eileen Bradly), Richard (Aamar-Malik Culbreth), Abigail (Paige Lewis), Robert (Marlowe Miller), Polly (Morgan Lehman) and crippled Tiny Tim (Alex Fynn Kenney or Anthony Patrick Kenney).

As Scrooge makes his muttering way home through the throngs of merry holiday revelers he is startled by the oversize door knocker suddenly turning into the shape of Jacob Marley’s face. He shakes off the aberration and enters his cold and dark dwelling for a dinner of gruel in front of a feeble fire. Strange things are stirring in the house as ghostly whispers can be heard. Suddenly, and with great flair, Marley’s ghost appears covered in chains and weighted money boxes. He tells Scrooge that his punishment for his greed while he was alive is to wander the Earth as a lost soul. Marley warns Scrooge that the same fate awaits him if he does not change his ways and that in the next three days Scrooge will be visited by three spirits to be known as the Spirits of Christmas Past (Angela Utrera), Christmas Present (Domonique Champion) and Christmas Future (Kyle MacDonald).

So how does this production stack up? It is wonderful as always. The most common comment among the exiting audience members was how “it still makes me cry.” Nick Steen is transformed from his younger self into a very convincing crotchety Ebenezer. Jeffrey C. Hawkins stood in for the ghost of Marley complete with elaborate make-up and sound effects. M.A. Taylor does a fine turn as the exuberant Mr. Fezziwig bringing all the joy that the part can hold. Laura Welsh does triple duty as Mother Cleaveland, Belle and Fred’s wife and is equally good in all three roles. Domonique Champion is outstanding as the enthusiastic Christmas Present. A special shout out to Laci Grace Glasser as “Sled Boy” and “Ignorance” on her debut appearance and whose very proud parents sat behind me in row F 301 and 302.

The production was wonderfully originally directed and adapted by Gerald Freedman. The dance scenes are time period choreographed by David Shimotakahara. John Ezell and Gene Emerson Friedman do an outstanding job with the scenic design. Matthew Webb brings joy with his music directing. The lighting design by Mary Jo Dondlinger and Jeff Herrmann truly sets the moods for each scene. Sound design by Tom Mardikes and Stan Kozak is crisp. Lastly is the costume design by James Scott that helps bring us all back to the Victorian era.

Much like a favorite television show or movie, this perennial production of “A Christmas Carol” is a delight to the eyes and ears and a wonderful Cleveland holiday tradition that should not be missed. Dress up in your holiday finest and spend a few hours of escape from the hustle and bustle. You will be glad you did.

The Great Lakes Theater production of “A Christmas Carol” will be on stage in the Mimi Ohio Theatre through December 22, 2024. For tickets and more information go to

https://www.greatlakestheater.org/ or call (216) 241-6000.