Manual Cinema’s “Christmas Carol” Is Virtually And Visually Stunning
By D’Arcy Mies With Wes Hessel
Manual Cinema’s “Christmas Carol” Is Virtually And Visually Stunning
Manual Cinema’s first live version of “A Christmas Carol”, now playing at Writers Theatre, is an intriguing, fascinating interpretation of the Dickens’ classic. Originally conceived in 2020 as a virtual production, it was then a play within a Zoom over a Zoom, with pandemic overtones. Those elements (minus the real virtual presentation) still preside.
Aunt Trudy is recovering from the loss of her long-time other half, Joe – labeled boxes onstage represent the memories of him. In his honor and to carry on his Christmas spirit, which she didn’t exactly share, and fortified by vino, she is giving a puppet show of the Victorian Yuletide standard to Joe’s extended family via a private video conference. Herself a holiday humbugger, Trudy still tries to make a go of it. As she becomes more absorbed in the presentation, the marionettes seem to take over themselves and begin to appear in various other different medias, as well as the paper cutout originals. After a while, what is live and what is Memorex begins to blur, and some life lessons start to penetrate her wounded soul, and perhaps, ours.
This relatable commentary on our experience of COVID isolation, on top of the already potentially stressing season, brings a fresh perspective of the redemptive energy Scrooge and company experience, a chance to reach out, and recognize no man, or woman, should be an island. The staging, with musicians in the background, literally, adds to the impact of the show, which is family-friendly and enjoyed by all. As the miser himself realizes near the end of Dickens’ great work, there is still time left, so go see this haunting new take on a great old tradition before the bells ring out for Christmas. It runs only until Christmas Eve – for tickets or more information, travel to their website at https://www.writerstheatre.org/.
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