Fresh off two years of the wildly successful ‘All Is Calm’, Thingamajig Theatre Company returns to the holiday season with a burst of theatrical energy. ‘A Christmas Carol’ opens Thursday, December 12 at 7pm, followed by a special Opening Night Talkback with the cast and crew.
Under the direction of Andrew Barratt Lewis, Patrick Barlow’s adaptation becomes a lively, fast-moving celebration of ensemble storytelling. Lewis leans into quick character transformations, shared narration, physical comedy, and imaginative theatrical flourishes that make the production feel handmade, intimate, and full of joy.
Dan Morrison, as Scrooge, leads the evening with a performance filled with crisp humor and unexpected emotional depth. Logan Polson, as Bob Cratchit, gives the play its steady human heartbeat, and in true Barlow fashion. Polson also takes on a surprising variety of other roles, including sprightly children, ghostly attendants, and Scrooge’s younger selves. His command of accents, physicality, and humor keeps the play’s momentum in constant motion.
The ensemble of Ellie O’Hara, Samantha Luck, and Trevor Brown fills Dickens’ world with extraordinary range and personality. O’Hara shifts effortlessly from stern Mrs. Lack to sweet young Fanny to the hearty Spirit of Christmas Present, revealing remarkable dexterity in voice and humor. Luck moves through roles such as Mrs. Cratchit, the luminous Spirit of Christmas Past, and a host of singers, spirits, and storytellers, grounding each with precision and warmth. Brown offers a tender, disarming Tiny Tim, but also shines as Fezziwig, Frederick, and several memorable street characters, each one distinct, lively, and played with heart.
Their combined versatility is the engine of the production, turning three performers into dozens of vivid characters and giving the show its buoyant, fast-paced charm.
The world is further shaped by thoughtful design: Sound Designer Tim Moore supplies a blend of atmospheric textures and musical warmth; Lighting Designer MacKenzie Lowe uses shadows, silhouettes, and glowing lantern hues to create both intimacy and supernatural presence; and Properties Curator Tanya Quinn adds tactile Victorian detail that enriches every scene.
With humor, heart, and an abundance of theatrical play, Thingamajig’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ proves a worthy and uplifting successor to All Is Calm a holiday tradition that feels both classic and newly alive.
Weekend performances continue Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 3pm.