Audiences in the nation’s capital and Charm City have a chance to see a holiday classic that not only will make the seasons merry and bright, but features powerful Black male leads, all the while offering important reminders about navigating the world, even through hardships and trials.
Gregory Burgess and Craig Wallace star in “A Christmas Carol,” at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company in Baltimore and Ford’s Theatre in Northwest, respectively. The two Black actors show the transformation of the classic Charles Dickens character Ebenezer Scrooge from lonely miser to beloved community member, in outstanding productions that will leave audiences inspired and ready for the holiday season.
“I think it’s important that the audience understand that Scrooge is no longer only a white man. In fact, he could be any color. What matters is he’s a man who is given a chance for redemption, and he acts on it,” Wallace told The Informer. “He chooses another way to live – a better way – and it makes all the difference for him and those around him. That’s a real Christmas message.”
For Dickens and theatre fans alike, it’s worth checking out both shows, which run until Dec. 23 at Chesapeake and Dec. 31 at Ford’s. Both are just that good with stellar casts, superb directors, and lighting and special effects that will literally blow viewers’ minds.
“There is a special magic that happens when a community comes together to watch a story most of us know by heart. For a couple of hours we all share the same small rituals— leaning forward at the same moment, laughing at the same line, falling quiet together,” said Leslie Malin, producing executive director at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. “‘A Christmas Carol’ is one of those stories. It reaches across ages and experiences, and for reasons both simple and profound, people love it.”
Continuing Ford’s more than four decades of staging “A Christmas Carol,” the historic D.C. theatre is not only adding to their annual tradition, but emphasizing a message for audiences.
“This story reminds us that it’s never too late to change, to connect and to embrace the generosity and warmth that define the holiday season,’ said Paul R. Tetreault, director at Ford’s Theatre.
Continuing a Tradition: Burgess and Wallace as Ebenezer Scrooge
Over the past decade, Burgess and Wallace have starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in productions at Chesapeake and Ford’s— shattering archaic racial barriers and garnering well-deserved praise.
Burgess is back for his 11th year as Scrooge, in the Baltimore production adapted by Laura Rocklyn and directed by Séamus Miller.
The show closely follows the original story and gives the audience a dark and dramatic interpretation of the seasonal tale of redemption.
In his 11th year in the role, Gregory Burgess stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Chesapeake Shakespeare Company in Baltimore. (Courtesy of Chesapeake Shakespeare Company via Instagram)
As Burgess notes, there’s a little bit of his own personality that is blended with the Dickens character and depending on the response of the audience, the character he delivers feeds on their energy.
“If you can see yourself on stage, you can see anyone take on any role and learn from it,” Burgess said. “What you realize is we are all humans with wants and desires which means we are no different from anyone else, no matter what color we may be.”
Wallace is marking his 10th year in the role at Ford’s, with a script adapted by Michael Wilson and directed by Michael Baron. Over time, Wallace’s Scrooge has taken on new aspects, allowing the D.C. favorite to stretch his wings.
He is particularly memorable in the second part of the play, as he transforms following his life-changing visit from the ghost of Christmas yet to come, to the new man he vows to become.
As Wallace delivers Dickens’ powerful words, promising the world that he is no longer the man he was, it’s impossible to doubt that he could be any more sincere.
“[Playing Scrooge] has become something very special to me. I treasure the opportunity to tackle such an iconic role and do so one year at a time,” Wallace explained. “As I change, I guess so does Ebenezer Scrooge.”
Both productions, the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future are elaborately portrayed and certain to grab the attention of those who may be seeing the play for their first time, and others who are very familiar with the storyline.
Ford’s Theatre production is distinguishable from most versions as it is a musical with plenty of Christmas carols sung throughout the play, often by young children who take on multiple roles and add a real sense of holiday joy and youthful exuberance to the show.
“We always include young children in the production and they’re not only talented, but they have a tremendous time doing the show,” Wallace told The Informer. “They make it even more of a joy to rehearse and then to perform. Some of them have tremendous futures ahead of them and it’s good to help them and see their progress.
Further, in both productions, it’s Burgess and Wallace as Scrooge who make the play shine.
For theatrical experiences that help get audiences into the holiday mood, take a trip to Ford’s Theatre or Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. By the time the curtain closes at either venue, hesitant guests will have abandoned their “bah humbug” mentality and firmly embraced the joy of the season.
“Each year,” said Tetreault, “[‘A Christmas Carol’] inspires audiences with its timeless message of hope and renewal.”
Source: Washington Informer
