Monkey-Plex Review: PLAY: Patrick Stewart in "A Christmas Carol"

PLAY: Patrick Stewart in "A Christmas Carol" 5 monkeys

Yeah, I'm a Star Trek fan, but so what? Patrick Stewart's one man production of A Christmas Carol is absolutely fantastic, and a perfect way to get more in touch with the spirit of the Christmas season.
What makes it special? This is no simple dramatic reading. Stewart commands the stage with great vigor, acting out more than 40 different parts, and using a few simples props (a table, a chair, a desk) to convey a wide variety of locations. You'll see the world of A Christmas Carol come to life before your eyes, as Stewart masterfully draws you in to the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge like never before.
Too often, modern versions seem to rely on the admittedly compelling tale of Scrooge's quest for personal redemption, but Stewart brings much needed depth to the original story's strong statement against poverty.
If you haven't seen it, you're missing out. If you have seen it, all other Christmas Carols suddenly seem a bit lacking. It's that good ... and powerful.
Not that it's an entirely humorless affair. Far from it! Stewart's eyes, as the Narrator, twinkle when they need to, and there are several moment that draw extended laughs from the audience, including a sequence that in the three times I've seen the show has never failed to produce a sustained ovation.
The show is headed for a sold-out run on Broadway this holiday season (2001), but make a note to check every year around November. Cruise a Star Trek news website, and see if there's chatter about whether or not Patrick is doing the show this year. He usually does it in Los Angeles and New York, and I believe London.
Or, you could look for his Scrooge role on TNT; they're showing his multi-actor adaptation a lot. It's also out on both DVD and video.
Or, go to your favorite bookstore (brick and mortar or online) and buy yourself a copy of the audio adaptation. Brightens up a drive to work any time of year!
Humbug-fu. Scrooge-fu. Pudding-fu. Monkey-Plex says, check it out.

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