Fifty Years of Christmas Spirit

Jordan Anthony Arredondo as Fred (left) and Matt Daniels as Ebenezer Scrooge (right) in A Christmas Carol at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Photo credit: Mark Frohna.

A review of A Christmas Carol

by Ava Sabel, age 15

A Christmas Carol, put on by the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, truly showcases the magic of the holiday season with many impressive elements, including an amazing set, strong vocals, and great character and ensemble work. This beloved Dickens classic, adapted by Mark Clements, follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a man who has prioritized wealth over love, generosity, and family. Because of this, he is visited by four spirits: Jacob Marley (his former business partner), the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, with each of these ghosts guiding him toward a powerful transformation.

One of my favorite elements of this production was the set, designed by Todd Edward Ivins. The turntable was especially impressive, seamlessly shifting the audience through different moments in Ebenezer’s life. Knowing that the turntable had to be rebuilt after historic flooding over the summer made it even more impressive and appreciated.

The ensemble was another standout aspect of the show. Their energy and commitment beautifully highlighted the contrast between those filled with Christmas spirit and Scrooge’s initial bitterness toward the holiday.

Speaking of Scrooge, Matt Daniels delivered a fantastic performance in the iconic role. Watching his journey from a hardened “Bah, humbug” miser to the happiest man in town was truly delightful. I thought it was incredible how Daniels could embody the physicality of being old and cranky, and I truly believed he was Scrooge. Along with that, his vocals matched his physicality, which I thought was super cool. The actors portraying Scrooge at different stages of his life (Lainey Techtmann, Rocco Onorato, and George Lorimer) were also outstanding. Together, they clearly illustrated how Scrooge was never fully content, no matter how much he had.

The vocals, directed by Dan Kazemi, were another highlight. The ensemble sounded polished, full, and wonderfully festive. The audience participation at the end, singing “Joy to the World” together, was a joyful and memorable way to close the show.

Finally, 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of A Christmas Carol at the Milwaukee Rep, which makes this production even more special. It is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season, and I would absolutely recommend it as a tradition for families who haven’t yet experienced it.