Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” maybe the most famous story we have about cheer, spirit, and being good to one another, has continually inspired new adaptations and interpretations in the 181 years since it was first written. While it’s not quite the Muppets’ version, the Boots on the Ground theater company’s “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” at the Southampton Cultural Center brings all the cozy feeling of lighted fireplaces and hot chocolate.
Something about the story of a man learning to be good to his family and neighbors speaks to so many, especially around Christmastime. Directed by James Pritchard, this adaptation by Joe Landry is the first live radio play that the theater company has taken on, and the cast excels at making the audience feel at home.
It begins with the set, designed by the company’s founder and cast member, Bonnie Grice. It’s styled like a radio station, with an incredible table of knick-knacks used for sound work during the performance, a large sofa, and stand-up microphones lining the front of the stage.
For the uninitiated, a radio play is most akin to a staged reading. The actors have their scripts available if they need them, but there is no blocking or staging. It is more about the voice work and selling the audience on imagining their own world populated by the characters. The biggest ally the actors have in this endeavor is the sound work.
In addition to hosting and playing a few side characters, Ms. Grice works the sound effects table with Bob Kaplan, and this is a highlight of the show. Like Hollywood Foley men of old, the two add nuance to every scene by striking a metal bucket to simulate a bell tolling or dragging chains of various sizes across a board when the ghost of Jacob Marley enters the scene. These may seem only like details, but it all really helps sell the show.
Rounding out the cast is Kevin Magee as Ebenezer Scrooge, with Andrea Harum Schiavoni, Colin Palmer, Geoffrey Milton, Mbachi Kumwenda, Robert Nelson, and Gerri Wilson. Because of the radio play format, each actor has an opportunity to take on a number of roles to great effect. It is a testament to their skills that each is able to wear different hats and the audience is able to keep track of who is who.
Also in the house are the Dickens Carolers, members of the theater company decked out in Victorian-era apparel who grace the audience with carols and holiday cheer. Audience participation is encouraged throughout the show, and this includes joining the carolers in their songs.
The Christmas season seems to get here quicker every year, and now it is upon us again. For those who may be hesitant to get in the holiday spirit, this show is the perfect way to dip your toe in.
Lighting is by Sebastian Paczynski, Kelly Weresnick, and Aidan Quinlan, and sound is by Dennis Milone and Chris Buckhout.
The final performances are this weekend: Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 5, and Sunday at 3. Tickets are $35, $25 for students, available at the door or bootsonthegroundtheater.com.
