F. Gary Newton’s interpretation of “A Christmas Carol,” instead of being tired old fare (as any show that runs annually for 10 years can be), is an uplifting and inspirational experience at the Players’ Ring in Portsmouth. Nicci Pilotte, who usually focuses her energies on stage managing, takes the reigns of the emotional rags-to-riches holiday story of the world’s stingiest man. The results clearly indicate that she’s been holding out on us. 

Her first order of business was to cast Will MacDonald as Scrooge, coaxing him back to the stage after a four-year absence. MacDonald brings a delightful bluster to the curmudgeonly character, who lets his character change just subtly enough so that when he evolves into a bursting, joyous young-at-heart man at the end of the story, its an authentic moment. Her second inspiration was to cast the energetic Camden Brown as nephew Thomas, whose sheer exuberance at having a loving wife, his friends and his health on the eve of Christmas will inject joy into the most sedate audience member.  Stephen Erickson as the put-upon but optimistic Bob Cratchit is heartbreakingly sweet as he defends his miserly boss to his wife, and Courtney Smith does an about face as the sharp-tongued but loving Mrs. Cratchit. A.J. Bagdon’s Tiny Tim is completely enveloped in her character, and so sweet that when she makes her Christmas wish that “all children have a daddy just as good as mine,” I daresay there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Jason Bolduc’s Papa Sleeves and his gaggle of little girl grave robbers are wonderfully creepy.

The handsome Fezziwig couple, played by Kate Kirkwood and John McColley, lend a festive dash of holiday cheer to the Christmas Past scene (look for the littlest Fezziwig, Skylar Bagdon, in his nightshirt, joining in the dance). Tana Sirois, as the young Lydia, and Camden Brown (doing double duty) as young Ebenezer, perform a wrenching scene of two young passions in different directions. These two talented teens can hold their own against performers twice their age, and then some.

In one of her more hilarious roles to date, Anne Rehner sparks mirth and merriment as the ghost of Christmas Present, and John McColley (also doing a double turn) is foreboding as the ghost of Christmas Yet To Come.

Perhaps the most inspired performance of all was that of Ron Pilotte, stepping into chains and makeup to transform into Jacob Marley. His voice and mannerisms are so agitated and ethereal that his interpretation leaves us chilled to the bone. One hopes Mr. Pilotte, another techie, will lend more of his energy to the stage.

By some inspired casting, and putting emphasis on some of the story’s more romantic and haunting moments, Nicci Pilotte gives us a “Christmas Carol” like no other I’ve seen.  Reserve your ticket for a dollop of Yuletide cheer.


“A Christmas Carol”
runs through Dec. 23 at the Players’ Ring, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth. Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10-$6. Call 603-436-8123 for reservations.

Different versions of “A Christmas Carol” are also playing at The Leddy Center for the Performing Arts in Epping (603-679-2781) and at Garrison Players in Rollinsford (603-750-4ART), both through Dec. 18.