The recent weather in Fort Wayne has not been all that different from the weather that is typical of London this time of year: dark, misty, and cold. This is the weather that is often depicted in popular British fiction and, of course, popular ghost stories. 

As Christmas draws ever nearer, we all think of one particular ghost story, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. 

Summit City Music Theatre have taken this popular holiday tale and brought it to life in what is one of Fort Wayne’s newest holiday traditions at Salomon Farm Park.

Unique setting

The production was first realized last year and makes use of a unique space: the park’s Old Barn. The space lends to the ambiance of the production beautifully since it is not out of place in the Victorian era in which the classic story was written. The barn is hung with greenery and some strategically placed lanterns that set the mood and bring some holiday cheer to what could otherwise have been a rather chilly and bleak space. 

That being said, the space only has auxiliary heat, so theatergoers should dress warmly. Many brought blankets, which were not unwarranted. Hot drinks were available for purchase as a further ward against the cold.

There is, however, a great deal of warmth to the story that Summit City Music Theatre Artistic Director Gavin Thomas Drew and scenic designer Chapman Shields have thoughtfully adapted. 

Dickens’ beloved work has been adjusted to “reflect the inclusive values that (Drew and Shields) both share: Everyone belongs on stage.” The director’s note in the program further explains that the text of the script could be altered and changed to accommodate actors of all abilities, and the cast did, in fact, include a differently abled individual.

Setting the scene

One may question the wisdom of staging a production of this somewhat fantastical story in a barn, as many know the story from the many film productions with Ebenezer Scrooge and the various spirits flying through the air and walking through walls, translucent ghosts, and talking door knockers. But even on the somewhat sparse stage, the effects were impressive.

Shields, who co- wrote the script with Drew, uses the space to create many impactful practical effects using levels, curtains, and lights (which were designed by Corey Lee). 

Credit also goes to costumers Kelly Gomes and Jill Bixler, who create an ethereal glowing gown for the Ghost of Christmas Present that is an important feature of the character’s interaction with Scrooge. In addition to this, there is a cast of more than 20 that must be clothed, not only to stay warm, but also in period clothing. Their work is notable.

Talented cast

Then, of course, there are the performers themselves. 

The cast as a whole is excellent and performs very well as an ensemble. Several times throughout the production a large part of the ensemble join together to sing a popular carol, and they do so beautifully with soaring harmonies. The ensemble members move through the audience to their places, and it almost feels as though the audience is watching from the alleys as these individuals go about their tasks.

Kristen Holt is a big part of what draws the audience into the story. Her role as a cockney storytelling busker is crucial as she narrates the bits that would otherwise be lost. Her portrayal is lively and sharp and definitely hooks the audience from the beginning.

The Cratchit family is a beautifully assembled crew. Their patriarch, Bob, is played tenderly by Tony Didier. He is a great foil to Caleb Curtis’ grumpy Scrooge. He is an optimistic and cheerful father but also holds his family together in their grief after the loss of Tim. 

He is matched well with the spirited, sharp portrayal of Mrs. Cratchit by Teresa Bower. Bower’s portrayal clearly draws from the hardship that the character faces daily. The pointed nature of her delivery is alternately poignant as she mothers each of her children and cares for her hard-working husband.

“Tiny” Tim was played very sweetly by Michael Paff, a talented performer with Down syndrome who has a passion for helping other individuals with disabilities advocate for themselves. His interactions at the end of the show with Scrooge are a treasure and not to be missed. 

The talented family is rounded out by Faye Holt as Belinda, Elijah Stark as Peter, and Katie White as Martha. The group have excellent chemistry and create beautiful and heartwarming moments together.

Then there was Scrooge. Curtis is a truly talented individual. Fresh from portraying the goofy maniacal Lord Farquaad in Fort Wayne Civic Theatre’s Shrek the Musical, Curtis is dynamic. His Scrooge is everything you could hope for. He’s the grumpy old man, he’s the mournful lost lonely miser, he’s the terrified old man staring at his own demise, and of course he’s the crazed repentant joyous grandfather. Curtis truly delivers them all. He has a face full of emotion that is a joy to watch in the intimate space at the barn.

Summit City Music Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is worthy of being added to the many traditions that your family has for enjoying this festive season. 

With any amount of luck, it will be here for many years to come, but don’t miss out on it this year — it’s never too late to start a new tradition.