UPDATE: The Center Repertory Company is set to unveil a groundbreaking adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek from December 10-21. This West Coast premiere, directed by acclaimed theater artist Jared Mezzocchi, promises to redefine the beloved tale with a fresh perspective.
This urgent production, which runs for two acts and approximately two hours, features a collaboration with the AXIS Dance Company, known for its inclusive approach, bringing together disabled and non-disabled artists. The adaptation, crafted by playwright Harrison David Rivers, highlights themes of empathy, community, and transformation—issues that resonate deeply in today’s world.
Mezzocchi emphasized the importance of community in the narrative, stating, “It’s really about the community allowing Scrooge back in once he has transformed.” This adaptation encourages audiences to reflect on their own capacities for acceptance and change, especially in a time marked by division and uncertainty.
The role of Ebenezer Scrooge will be portrayed by Michael Ray Wisely, who embodies both the character’s initial bitterness and his eventual redemption. Young actors will share the role of Tim Cratchit, bringing a youthful vibrancy that captures the essence of hope and wisdom.
Mezzocchi’s vision integrates multimedia elements seamlessly, ensuring that technology enhances the storytelling without overshadowing the performers. He noted, “If the performer feels friction, then I’m in the way of storytelling,” highlighting his commitment to an authentic theatrical experience.
As the world grapples with ongoing social challenges, including political strife and economic disparity, this adaptation serves as a timely reminder of the power of community and compassion. Mezzocchi remarked, “This version of A Christmas Carol asks what happens when someone deemed outside is showing change and asking to be let back in?”
Tickets for this extraordinary theatrical event are available now at centerrep.org. Don’t miss your chance to witness a new interpretation of a classic that is not only entertaining but profoundly relevant to the conversations we need to have today.
