Entertainment :: Theatre
Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol by Danny Orendorff
EDGE ContributorMonday Dec 8, 2008 Ten years after its theatrical premiere, Tom Mula’s novel-turned-one-man-show Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, a retelling of Charles Dicken’s classic story "A Christmas Carol," has become something of a beloved classic itself.
On view now through January 3rd at Theatre Building Chicago, the show is a surefire holiday-theatre treat.
Largely keeping with the central themes of Dickens’ well known tale, Mula’s story focuses on the character of Jacob Marley, the onetime business partner of the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge. Plainly stated, the fate of Marley’s soul hangs precariously in the balance depending on whether he can bring about some compassionate change in the cantankerous old Scrooge (thereby, also in himself) within 24-hours.
The twist? Mula’s story features Marley as the man transforming into each of the three Ghosts of Christmas rather than soliciting each of their respective services, as done in the original telling.
This slight change offers plenty of opportunities for Mula to explore the many sides of Marley through his varied characterization.
Mula performs the show with all the confidence, ease, and naturalness of an unquestionably expert actor. His amiable manner is seamlessly palatable to portraying a wide range of characters - most notably Marley’s clever, Jiminy Cricket of a conscious, known as the "bogle."
Many of the play’s best moments occur when humorously overt theatrical elements (sudden lighting changes, audio effects) interact with Mula’s solo-performance. Kudos to director Steven Scott for adding such entertaining details.
Theater Wit’s Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol is being performed at Theatre Building Chicago now through January 3rd. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased by phone (773.327.5252) or online at www.theatrebuildingchicago.org
Danny Orendorff is an arts journalist and organizer in Chicago. He can be reached at Dan[dot]Orendorff[at]Gmail[dot]com
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