PicksInSix Review: A Christmas Carol... In the Dark
MOURNFUL MARLEY IS A MULTI-VOICED GEM!
It’s may appear unfair to start a review of a “Christmas Carol” production—particularly the inventive and multi-faceted audio-only version that is now being performed live by A Theatre In The Dark—with mention of the famous opening line “Marley was dead, to begin with… Dead as a doornail.” Then I thought, what exactly is a doornail and why in the Dickens does that grouping of words work so well whenever this classic comes to mind?
The answer to that mystery can be found in Webster’s definition of a doornail: “a large-headed nail—used chiefly in the phrase dead as a doornail.” So there you are. A self-fulfilling prophecy with the dead old doornail Marley himself as the origin story.
During a pandemic season of new and classic versions of the show, Theatre in the Dark—whose specialty is atmospheric audio dramas best enjoyed with no distractions and the lights off—create a fascinating live experience that has the immediacy and excitement of the theatrical kind at a pay-what-you-can ticket that is certainly worthy of your support.
This is a melodic audio production with the layered voices of three narrators, artfully conjoined within a rich, full audio mix with Jake Sorgen’s original music. This mournful Marley feels like he is gnawing a bone while invoking fear and loathing within Corey Bradberry’s Scrooge.
CAST OF “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” (clockwise l-r) SARAH ALTHEN, COREY BRADBERRY, KATHLEEN PULS ANDRADE, MACK GORDON
The true-to-original adaptation by Mack Gordon allows the superb cast, who are located in home studios of their own, to seamlessly weave together a production that feels as if together in a studio. The technical challenges involved behind this evolving technology, and the artful delivery of the ensemble in a live situation, puts Theatre in the Dark’s production of “A Christmas Carol” in a bright, shining class all by itself.
And while live theatre still waits for brighter days ahead, it’s good to know that there are alternatives at this time of the season to fill the void and illuminate the dark regions of our hearts.
THEATRE IN THE DARK
Presents
A Christmas Carol… In the Dark
a live virtual audio drama
Adapted & Directed by MACK GORDON
from the novella by CHARLES DICKENS
Original Music | JAKE SORGEN
Sound Design | MACK GORDON
Stage Manager/Sound Engineer | COREY BRADBERRY
WEBSITE
CAST & CREATIVE
TICKETS
For more reviews, visit: Theatre In Chicago