JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL

Vintage Theatre: 11/27 – 12/27

Left to right: James O'Hagan-Murphy and Joey Wishnia 

(Photo credit: Christine Fisk for DenverMind Media)

     As directed by Katie Mangett, “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is sheer theatre magic. Mangett has cast the show impeccably with actors who are supremely talented.

     James O’Hagan-Murphy, whose critically acclaimed performance as “RFK” has had numerous revivals, portrays Marley.

     Joey Wishnia, who has won the Henry Award for Lifetime Achievement and Excellence in Theatre and whose list of theatre credits is too long to list, plays Scrooge.

     Fresh off a run of Alan Ayckbourn’s “Woman in Mind” at The Edge Theatre, Gina Walker plays the Bogle.

     Vintage regulars will recognize Darcy Kennedy from performances in “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “The Lyons.” In this show Kennedy portrays the records keeper.

     The script by Tom Mula gives us a new spin on the traditional tale about Ebenezer Scrooge as seen through the eyes of Scrooge’s partner, Jacob Marley. Mr. Mula’s writing is of such a clear and distinct nature and the elocution thereof by these actors so articulate that it makes one feel as though he were a spellbound child listening to a tale told by the most gifted of storytellers.

     The story begins with Marley’s death seven years prior to Scrooge’s fateful night full of Christmas ghosts. Miserable in his own private purgatory, the records keeper introduces the forlorn Marley to a mysterious and fascinating spirit guide called the Bogle. It seems the price of Marley’s release from this disagreeable after world is getting his old partner Scrooge to stop being so callous and insensitive to the needs of others. But Marley scorns Scrooge as much as Scrooge hates Christmas.

     So…how does one get coaxed into assisting in the redemption of the repulsive Mr. Scrooge? The records keeper knows of course. So does the Bogle.

     However… you, dear reader, will have to experience the journey first hand.

    And if superb direction and an outstanding ensemble were not enough to have you running to the box office, let me also tell you that Luke Allen Terry’s sound design is quite simply the season’s best!

     Scratch whatever’s on your calendar this weekend. The run ends Sunday.Marlowe's Musings

     Vintage Theatre presents

"Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol"

Previews on Nov. 25 and runs Nov. 27- Dec. 27

A re-imagining of Dickens’ holiday classic told from the perspective of Jacob Marley.

Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2:30 p.m.; Thurs., Dec 17 & Tues., Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. & Sun., Dec. 27 at 6:30 p.m.

$28 ($24 advance) 
303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010