A Christmas Carol - Reviewed!

Twas a frigid night I came to see the play, yet no windy weather could keep the audience away. The lights dim and laughter faded to a hum, till silence fell, and we slowly succumbed. The curtains drew back, and a story unfolded; what does it mean to be good? How can one's spirit be molded?

A Christmas Carol was written by Charles Dickens in 1843 after observing the dire circumstances at “Raggedy School,” an institution for educating children of the poor. It was here that Dickens received a first-hand account of the treacherous conditions children were forced to work under because of the new Industrial Age. In his novel, Dickens used various characters to represent facets of what he’d seen, including: Martha Crachit, representative of child workers; Tiny Tim, symbolizing hope and innocence; Bob Crachit, a reminder that hard work doesn’t always equate to success; Scrooge’s nephew, showcasing the good in humanity; and Scrooge, symbolic of greed and isolation, a representation of Britain in its new Industrial Age. A Christmas Carol emphasizes the importance of human connection and how success and riches do not ensure happiness or contentment. Scrooge learns that prioritizing money over his relationships is what ruined those relationships, and that continuing to do so will eventually ruin him. Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in the hopes that it would make a difference in the world. His novella continues to be printed to this day. And then it was brought to the stage.  

Though his novella is a Christmas staple, after seeing the play, I can wholeheartedly say that the stage is truly where the story came to life. While at the theater, I thought about how it effectively unified disparate crowds, and I wondered how such a unique medium worked so well to bring people together. The best answers come from the source, so I asked Jada Ulett, NHS’s very own ghost of Christmas past, to share a bit of her wisdom: 

Q: When and why did you first start doing theater? 

Jada: “Oh my god, fifth grade. At first, I actually wasn’t even gonna audition because I was terrified, but then I went to audition, it was so much fun…and then, even though like in Annie, I only did the Apple Seller, it was literally the most fun I’d ever had in my entire life.  And so, after that, I was just like, 'I have to do every single play.'”

Q: What is your favorite part about being in the play? 

Jada: “The people - they’re so sweet. Every single person…And like you don’t even have to know them; they’re nice to you anyways.”

Q: Any advice for aspiring actors? 

Jada: “Go out of your comfort zone because I used to go for roles that I thought were like, 'oh, like definitely the only chance I have is this one.' But when you really like try to go for something bigger, you’d really be surprised with your outcome.”

Jada’s passion and joy for her craft was palpable as she spoke. Her talent was clear as she graced the stage opening night. She embodied the spirited otherworldly being with such conviction that it looked like being there was what she was born to do. 

With such success in talking to an actor, I knew that stage crew would be my next stop. So I interviewed Megan Hintlian, production stage manager: 

Q: How long have you been doing theater? 

Megan: “Since seventh grade, so five years?” 

Q: What do you love most about being a part of the play? 

Megan: “I love all the friends that I’ve made and the fact that we’re allowed to express our creativity.” 

Both Megan and Jada placed emphasis on the community that they were a part of, and the friendships they made while doing theater. This was interesting. A production that I thought was only possible because of pretending to play a character, managed to create such strong, genuine bonds between cast and crew mates. I will admit: I was curious. So I decided to see it for myself. 

Being backstage on opening night was a surreal experience. Before the show started, everyone in the cast and crew stood in a circle and took part in vocal and body warm-ups. Actors then broke into groups and fervently practiced lines and songs together. I gave what support I could, though in hindsight, “Break a leg!” would have been more customary than the “Oh my gosh, you are gonna absolutely slay out there!” I told many people in my excitement. I hope young and old Scrooge can forgive me. 

And then we all went backstage. Everyone was visibly anxious, but with a hug or a little encouragement, the actors took the stage with ease when the curtains opened. I went with the run crew on stage left. Though their work came first and foremost, and they did it well, I was enthralled joining in on the dancing, laughter, and joke-sharing with them during the rest of the show. Some people did not know me or know why I was backstage, but they made room and helped me over rolling set pieces. Their joy and the sense of belonging they all seemed to share were infectious. I watched as they all helped each other and me, and I helped them, in the ways I could. 

Then, it clicked. This is what made theater work so well: the fact that everyone supported each other. Not only was it an environment where people were free to ask for help, it was imperative that they did so because no one person could do the show alone. Community is what makes theater so effective. It is easier to perform when you’re up there with friends. It's easier to move set pieces when you’re not the only one moving them. And it's easier to put on a production when everyone cares deeply for one another. 

A Christmas Carol ends with Scrooge realizing that friendship and being a good person are more important than having the most money and being the most successful. He reconnects with the townspeople and gives to those in need. This production, and the people who were a part of it, have reminded me of something I tend to forget. As students we often get so caught up in wanting to be at the top and securing our futures that we forget about what it's all for. There is more to life than having status and money to show for it. There is passion, friendship, and love. NHS’s production of A Christmas Carol encompassed all of these things and more. It reminds us that hand-in-hand we can create something beautiful.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” 

- Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol