When I went to review A Christmas Carol at The Ruth it was actually my 4th viewing of the story this season and my 3rd full review (look here and here). While it can be a challenge to find new ways to write engagingly about the same story it is always surprising how I can also find new insight with each production. This staging at The Ruth is the most traditional of the 4 but that has its own value and cultural relevance to ponder. They tried a couple of times to shake things up (see here) but this version adapted by Cody Hale is an important part of many audience-members celebration of Christmas and that has value. It’s also the version I have seen the most being a long time season ticket holder to HCTO (now The Ruth) since my college days. It’s comforting and very nostalgic.

Daniel Hess was my Scrooge, and he does the more sarcastic take on the character (think the Alastair Sim film version.) While this is not accurate to the book, it’s a perfectly valid interpretation. He shines most towards the end of the story in what I call ‘Crazy Scrooge’ where he buys the turkey for Bob Cratchit (BJ Oldroyd) and prances around London in his pajamas.

At The Ruth the production is directed by David Morgan and the most effective directing choices were made with all 4 ghosts entrances into the story. I particularly enjoyed the near jump-scare they gave to Jacob Marley (Andrew Maddocks) for his introduction after Scrooge see’s him projected onto the door. I also really liked how Past (Channing Heiner) and Present (Jacob Baird) are brought in through the aisles making the experience feel as immersive as possible.

I must admit as fond as I am of this traditional adaptation I don’t really think the few songs are special or needed and would prefer they just stuck with the traditional carols throughout the piece. I particularly like a scene when the grieving Bob and family sing ‘What Child is This?’ at Tim’s grave. This is much better, for instance, than the weird song randomly given to Old Joe and the vagrants at the pawn shop.

As is always the case, the ensemble cast at The Ruth‘s A Christmas Carol is outstanding and the costumes by Lauri Baird are first rate. I did find the set design by Carter Thompson to be a little odd. Scrooge’s house is off-kelter with a triangle bookshelf and paintings hung askew. This gave the impression one might expect an edgy version of this story but it really is quite traditional and true to Dicken’s original intent.

Still, if you are looking for a way to celebration the holidays as a family one can’t go wrong with A Christmas Carol at The Ruth. This show is a beloved Utah County tradition for a reason and certainly worthy of your time and patronage. It is playing through December 27th and tickets can be purchased here.

This version of A Christmas Carol is of course based on the Charles Dickens novella and features music and lyrics by Cody Hale. It has been performed at The Ruth and at Hale Center Theatre Orem for many years.

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