Local writer and theatre maven, Ilana Jael, reviewed Dickens By Candlelight by the Ensemble Theatre Company on December 12, 2024.
There’s certainly been no shortage of Christmas theatre—and beyond that, even no shortage of Christmas carols—gracing the Orlando area this fine holiday season. Ever since blogging about a production of A Christmas Carol for a Fort Lauderdale company I was involved with, I’ve maintained a minor obsession with the piece- or at least enough interest to investigate any carol that happens to cross my path. As a last minute patron, I stumbled upon the Ensemble Theatre Company’s version of A Christmas Carol—a delightfully original and strikingly timely take on the timeless story which I wish I’d had the chance to write a full review of before its closing this December 15th. As a volunteer usher, I also got a chance to enjoy Orlando Shakes’ more traditional version, which was more or less pitch-perfect in terms of visuals and performances and which will be running there until this December 22nd.
But if you’re the type of Christmas Carol fan who’d rather say “bah humbug” to any theatrical pomp and circumstance that strays too far from Charles Dickens’ original masterpiece, then the stripped down simplicity of Dickens By Candlelight may be exactly what the spirits ordered. Now celebrating its 28th anniversary of performances, Robin Olson’s acclaimed theatrical rendition of A Christmas Carol is, astoundingly, almost as old as I am. In that time, the piece has endured to occupy an eclectic set of venues, but can this season be seen at the Audobon Park Covenant Church for four more performances that will conclude this December 23rd.
While each performance is scheduled for 7:30, audience members who arrive early may be encouraged by the cast to join in some pre-show Christmas carols, or perhaps treated to some fun facts about the show’s fascinating history. Once the house opens, you’ll make your way to an assigned seat at one of several tables, each adorned with a generous serving of tea and cookies that help keep up the celebratory mood.
Then, for approximately 90 minutes, the show’s three-person cast will continually transform themselves to embody over 25 different Christmas Carol characters, while also serving as narrators who lend their voice and verve to many of the most evocative portions of Dickens’ prose. All three performers (Jerry Olson, Robin Olson, and Monica Song Tamborello) displayed remarkable range and versatility, with Jerry Olson being perhaps most memorable in his central role as Scrooge, Tamborello impressively shape-shifting into a plethora of distinct personas, and Robin Olson commanding the room and bringing a visceral intensity to every character she plays.
Though they use only a few token props and costumes, the actors make full use of their intimate playing space, disappearing behind doors, creating their own sound effects, and at times even summoning audience members to their feet to take part in the action. It would be hard not to be captivated by the efforts of these performers to bring vibrant life to their oft-told tale, which hits on all the major beats you crave from A Christmas Carol while allowing for several interesting detours in a crisp and well-paced 90 minutes.
Along with being a festive way to give yourself a refresher on a kindness-based “reason for the season,” this show is set apart from other adaptations by its fun-filled, interactive vibe and its respect for Dickens’ original, with all the nuance that it affords. General admission tickets are priced at $49.50, with some VIP options available for a slightly higher cost. However, you can knock $10 off your GA ticket price while supporting a good cause by committing to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Audubon Park Church’s food pantry when you attend your chosen performance.
If you’re more of a last minute kind of theatre goer, you can also try your luck at snagging one of a limited number of $15 rush tickets, which will be released for sale at 12:30 pm on the day of each performance. But since the organizers suggest that these tickets be reserved for those who might otherwise not be able to afford them, this is a tip best ignored by any would-be Scrooges!
Ilana Jael is an Orlando writer and actor who reviews shows for the Orlando Theatre Review. Ilana recently reviewed The Office Holiday Party Musical Extravaganza by the Renaissance Theatre Company She is available to review your show as well.