A Remarkable Scrooge for Today

A One-Man Christmas Carol – Writers Theatre

In what must be described as a tour-de-force performance, Michael Halberstam creates an exquisite, solo presentation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” With a lifetime of well-honed talent, an authentic British accent and absolutely perfect diction, Mr. Halberstam’s powerful voice effectively paints portraits and panoramas of Victorian splendor. And he accomplishes all of this exclusively with Dickens’ own words. Adapted by the actor himself, this abridged, 70-minute production is breathtaking. It’s filled with drama, poignance and a few unexpected moments of humor. The production is part of the Theatre’s holiday double bill, “Two Scrooges: A Christmas Carol Two Ways,” offering Manual Cinema’s multimedia “Christmas Carol,” along with this extraordinary, one-man performance.

As in all of Writers Theatre’s productions, this show epitomizes their mission of highlighting the word and the artist. Michael is a master Thespian. He plays every character in this story, not by hiding under costumes and wigs, but employing just a slight variation in his voice and demeanor. This extraordinary artist, who’s known to many as the Artistic Director of Writers Theatre, and to a few as The Mysterious Man in last season’s wonderful production of “Into the Woods,” demonstrates that he is, truly, a man for all seasons. 

The production has been perfectly guided by Director Stanton Long and filmed in collaboration with HMS Media. Scenic designer Adam Veness has created a simple, but versatile setting, while a palette of wonderful, moody lighting is furnished by Adam Friedland. Embellished with an evocative musical score and just a few subtle visual and audible effects, this is the perfect production of “A Christmas Carol.” 

It’s been a miserable year, a rocky road full of difficulties: financial, political and health-wise. This special holiday offering, however, is ideal during a pandemic quarantine. It’s a production that’s available to Chicagoland audiences to be enjoyed in the safety of their own home. Beautifully produced and masterfully acted, this is a remarkable Scrooge for today.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas   

Presented December 8-January 3 by Writers Theatre, this virtual presentation may be streamed at any time, upon demand.

Tickets for each individual play, or both productions, are available by calling the Writers Theatre box office at 847-242-6000 or by going to www.writerstheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.