“Dear Santa: In an earlier correspondence, I asked if you might work your magic to make Toronto’s Soup Can Theatre’s production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ an annual tradition. I’d like to amend that note and also include on the list Peterborough New Stages’ production of Katie Leamen’s ‘A Christmas Carol Comedy.”
A delightful performance of an 85-minute runtime and a smile that never left my face. I hope this team of “Kash and Kerry” returns soon.
I discovered New Stages several years ago when I attended a reading at Peterborough’s Market Hall. The company is another gem in the theatre scene. I’ll provide a link at the end of this article so you can explore New Stages’ plans for 2025.
I had to act quickly as Katie Leamen’s ‘A Christmas Carol Comedy’ has only one more performance on Sunday December 15. It’s worth the drive to Peterborough as the production takes creative artistic liberties in retelling Dickens’ iconic Christmas tale. At its bare bones, Leamen’s story follows the iconic miserly senior who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. They assist in helping to redeem the curmudgeon and keep the spirit and wonder of the season throughout the year.
What makes this production work while fulfilling the criteria for a feel-good show?
Leamen humorously critiques contemporary cultural elements and weaves them throughout the plot. Directed by Mark Wallace (Artistic Director of New Stages), who has a strong passion for comedy, the production includes playful references that the audience will easily recognize. The pacing is slick in this two-hander, and Wallace never lets it veer out of control. Theatregoers eagerly anticipate this type of story just before the holiday as they want to smile, laugh, and feel great when leaving the theatre.
Wallace has gathered an exceptional creative team to work behind the scenes. Music Director Beau Dixon kicks off the pre-show with a delightful piano performance of carols that captivates the audience, gets them singing, and sets the seasonal mood. Dixon is comfortable in front of the crowd and knows how to build anticipation. Adam Whaley’s set design features flat, matted paintings on rollers that are accessibly simple yet effective. Jen Naus’s costume designs accurately reflect the Dickensian era. Scrooge’s nightgown and robe are only one example. Patricia Thorne’s lighting design effectively captures a ghostly effect that enhances the atmosphere. Brad Breckenridge has a significant challenge as the Props and Puppetry designer, and I am impressed by his tenacity in finding items that authentically represent the period.
Linda Kash (Scrooge) and Kerry Griffin (all other roles) are terrific.
I sincerely hope they will return next year. They understand exactly what’s required to keep the show clipping along. They know how to engage with the audience and possess a natural talent for improvisation. Even a minor slip, such as a finger getting a little too close to the other person’s mouth, does not detract from the experience. Instead, it highlights the skill with which these two professionals handle the moment, showcasing their wit, grace, and style.
Thank you to New Stages for the terrific afternoon of entertainment.
There’s one more performance on Sunday, December 15 at 2 pm. Get to see it.
To learn more about New Stages: www.newstages.ca
NEW STAGES presents
A CHRISTMAS CAROL COMEDY by Katie Leamen
Directed by Mark Wallace
Music Director: Beau Dixon
Costume Designer: Jen Naus
Set Designer: Adam Whaley
Props and Puppetry: Brad Breckenridge
Lighting Design: Patricia Thorne
Sound Engineer: Tai Timbers
Stage Manager: Jennine Profeta
Choreographer: Dreda Blow
Festive Décor Design: Dayle Finlay
Performers: Linda Kash and Kerry Griffin.
Photo credit: Dahlia Katz. Pictured: Linda Kash and Kerry Griffin
