by Theresa Ingalls

Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” a time-honored chestnut, is refreshed in Center REP’s re-imagined production. The adaptation by Harrison David Rivers tells the story from Tiny Tim’s perspective, and his wish is granted through Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption.

The excellent cast enhances and supports the story, setting the mood with lively dances and carols. AXIS Dance Company adds masterful movement by diverse performers, so fluid they form a magnificent highlight of the show. Truly Christmastime!

Nina Ball’s scenic design transports us to Victorian London, complete with moving, weathered, multi-sized doors, windows, and walls. Ball’s magnificent, detailed set is enhanced by somber lighting and timely projections.

Director Jared Mezzocchi’s “Carol” packs a punch with Michael Ray Wisely’s solid turn as Scrooge. We feel Scrooge’s alienation, wonder, and revulsion as he journeys with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future—winning his hard-won redemption. He is a truly changed man.

Skyler Sullivan shines in three roles: Sullivan is inspired as Fred Hollywell, obviously devoted to his Uncle Scrooge even as he chastises poor Fred. Sullivan also presents an exuberant, loving, and kind Fezziwig; too bad Scrooge refuses to take his lessons to heart! And Sullivan’s Ghost of Christmas Present is outrageously unrestrained and irresistible fun.

Sarah Dunnavent offers a delightful, spirited performance as Mrs. Cratchit, clearly showing she’s a loving wife and mother and a believably harsh critic of Scrooge. Dunnavent’s Mrs. Fezziwig sparkles with plenty of dancing, laughter, and love.

Jomar Tagatac convinces us of Jacob Marley’s irreversible and regretful damnation. And Tagatac’s Bob Cratchit shows us the clerk’s deep devotion to his family, especially Tiny Tim.

Bravo for imaginative staging led by Director Mezzocchi, elaborate costumes by Brooke Kesler, and electric visuals by Camilla Tassi. They make a great foundation for Dickens’ enduring story of injustice, forgiveness, and redemption.

In the spectacular scene where the Ghost of Jacob Marley first appears, we see tethered ghosts holding back Marley by his chains. These wraiths exude the despair of all mankind from beyond the grave with unrelenting writhing and wailing.

Despite all that’s great, I found a couple of nits to pick: the guidance of the Ghost of Christmas Future weakens Scrooge’s discovery of what may happen to him. In fact, the future is Scrooge’s own discovery, and he must find redemption for himself. Also, the omission of the children represented under the Ghost’s robes robs Scrooge of the realization that evil exists in the everyday.

Nit-picky, but the show’s weaving in and out of the 19th century and today comes as a surprise. The mixture of Dickens’ dialogue and modern language can be jarring.

Although dazzling and funny, disco music and dance by the Ghost of Christmas Present may be too much for some. And Scrooge wears his shoes in and out of bed!

But those are minor notes that you can judge for yourself. It’s Christmastime!—just in time to see Center REP’s excellent staging of Dickens’ enduring classic!

“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, adapted by Harrison David Rivers, in collaboration with Sally Lobel, directed by Jared Mezzocchi, in association with AXIS Dance Company, music director Kenji Harada, choreographer Nadia Adam, scenic designer Nina Ball, costumes by Brooke Kesler, projections by Camilla Tassi, lighting by Kurt Landisman, sound by James Ard, at Center REP, Lesher Center, Walnut Creek, California.

Info: centerrep.org – to December 21, 2025.

Cast: Annika Bergman, Elizabeth Cowperthwaite, Alan Coyne, Sarah Dunnavant, Carla Gallardo, Danny J. Gomez, JanpiStar, Catherine Luedtke, Jed Parsario, Salim Razawi, Skyler Sullivan, Jomar Tagatac, and Michael Ray Wisely.

Youth Cast: Maeve Coyne, Annie Dooling, Ray Khalili, Dominic Moran, Keenan Moran, Layla Rachidi, Aislinn Robbins, Giovanna Romagnolo, McKenna Rose, Brayden Sinkay, Hyacinth Taylor, Bea Toben, Gus Toben, and Brady Wraight.