Most importantly it never became a gimmick, as it easily could have been. Walking though strong shards of light with precision brought the contrast for the characters – especially the good and bad ones. This Christmas Carol was dark – dark enough to better keep the illusion of one actor but also dark as the story. My neighbor in the theatre wanted this to be a cheery, colorful story – but the tale is far from cheerful. What I like most was the way Jefferson seamlessly moved from the narrative to to the voice of the characters. I loved the threat and fear in the story. I loved how the ghosts truly became nightmare from his own mind. We moved from bare stages – to overwhelming scenes of Christmas clutter and snowing landscapes. I never know where I was being taken to next. The only negative I found – – I didi want just a bit more sentimentality in the Tiny Tim family scenes. I grew up crying over those touching family scenes and wanted just a tear or two – but no – another production entirely would be needed for this. I also wanted the Ghost of Christmas Future to be more understated and not the giant mannequin on a revolve that they presented.

Another home-run for Jefferson Mays – the actor that can do anything – and with such great articulation.

What a wonderful way to begin the holidays. Too dark for some but just right for me.