Actors have often played multiple roles in a film. Director Michael Arden's A Christmas Carol takes this idea and ramps it up to an extreme level. Actor Jefferson Mays doesn’t just play multiple roles. He plays all of them. Arden and Mays team up for their take on one of the classic holiday tales, A Christmas Carol. It’s an audacious risk, but it makes for a memorable viewing experience.
It doesn’t hurt that Mays has done this before, winning Tonys for playing multiple characters in I Am My Own Wife and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. He has a manic energy in the film, with the Cratchit dinner scene being a highlight. Transitioning from Bob to Tim to other members of the family takes skill, and Mays truly delivers.
Then we experience the ghosts of Dickens’s tale. Arden goes for a much darker tone than other productions, implementing fog machines and shadows to great effect. However, Arden also uses video footage, and it comes as a distraction after seeing Mays work with stage props. When we visit past London, we are hit with video footage of holiday revelry. This may come off as somewhat distracting as the audience at this point is so used to just Mays working with what he has on stage.
The origins of this production were inspired by the pandemic, and that influence clearly shows. Mays is truly magnetic playing all of the characters from the Dickens story. He is best when there is no real interference, and he is free to interact with stage props and the audience. The production isn’t for everyone, especially those not familiar with Mays and his ability to play multiple roles. Others will be mesmerized by its spooky and moving Christmas story. This adaptation of A Christmas Carol would appeal to devotees of Charles Dickens, as well as those looking for new versions of the classic holiday tale.
How can A Christmas Carol be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Public libraries often seek to provide a variety of adaptations of classic literature. This version of A Christmas Carol, with Jefferson Mays playing all the roles, offers a unique and innovative interpretation that would appeal to fans of theater, holiday traditions, and Charles Dickens. Libraries could highlight it in holiday displays, programming, or events that focus on adaptations of classic stories, such as "A Christmas Carol Through the Ages."
What college courses and majors could benefit from using A Christmas Carol?
Courses in English literature and theater would benefit from incorporating this adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Literature students could analyze how the story's themes are translated into a one-man show, while theater students could examine the performance techniques of Jefferson Mays and the production's unique approach to stage-to-screen adaptation.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use A Christmas Carol in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs could include A Christmas Carol in holiday-themed community events or workshops focusing on classic literature and storytelling. For example, screenings could be followed by discussions about the history and impact of Dickens's tale or interactive sessions on acting techniques inspired by Mays’s performance.
How could A Christmas Carol enhance special events on college campuses?
This adaptation of A Christmas Carol could be featured as part of holiday programming, paired with academic discussions about Charles Dickens, theatrical adaptation, or even pandemic-inspired art. Hosting a screening followed by a live Q&A with theater professionals or literature faculty could deepen engagement with the material.
Why is A Christmas Carol a strong candidate for movie licensing?
With Jefferson Mays’ critically acclaimed performance and its inventive approach to a beloved classic, A Christmas Carol stands out as a high-quality, unique adaptation. Its combination of theatrical and cinematic elements makes it appealing for libraries, educational institutions, and community groups seeking fresh takes on classic stories, particularly during the holiday season.