reviewvancouver:A Christmas Carol: John Jane

Charles Dickens' classic tale of human redemption has been adapted and readapted in numerous film and theatre versions of which, I’m sure, everyone has his/her favourite. This year, it’s the Playhouse's turn to present the perennial Christmas favourite

Actors and directors undoubtedly face a daunting task in trying to bring something original to such a well-known piece which may ultimately alienate the purist section of the audience. This mounting is an amusingly surreal rendering and James Fagan Tait walks a fine line between remaining faithful to Dickens’ compelling story and offering something fresh and new.

Tait underplays the theme of sublime conversion of a miser which today seems trivially outdated by more contemporary issues. Alex Diakun’s Scrooge is less the despicable money-hoarder, but rather the misunderstood curmudgeon who is the target of friendly pranks. His frequent utterances of “Bah, humbug” were for purely comic effect.

The costumes in keeping with the setting are mid-nineteenth century London, but the dialogue, far from Dickensonian, is closer to twenty-first century North American. Scrooge occasionally refers to “making a buck.”

The portrayals of the matronly Ghost of Christmas Past (Patti Allen) and the gregarious Ghost of Christmas Present (Andrew McNee) were predictable but fun to watch. The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come (Maiko Bae Yamamoto) was cogent, resembling a giant Grim Reaper. The size emphasized dominion on what was to come and power to alter its course.

Notable performances were that of Camyar Chai, whose ingenious portrayal of Bob Cratchit dispelled the etiolated stereotype, and young Aidan Drummond who brought his youthful charisma to the roles of Tiny Tim, little Scrooge and the boy. Kyle Rideout who last year appeared in a mostly female production of A Christmas Carol gave a novel performance as Scrooge's nephew, Fred, and the young Scrooge.

In costume on stage musicians Joelysa Pankanea (marimba), Mark Haney (bass), Scott Hughes (harp) perform Pankanea’s original music and provide sound effects while blending in well with the cast.

The sound and lighting is well designed; the set, though of necessity, minimal, works very well with ensemble actors creating furniture and other props through the location and posture of their bodies.

There is a poignant moment near the end of the show when Alex Diakun and his “role-mates” Aidan Drummond and Kyle Rideout, on contemplating the “future” death of Scrooge, come together to sing a heart-warming rendition of “He’s not me.” So, old Ebenezer learns his lesson and brings some early Christmas cheer to a good-humored audience.