Hatbox Theatre will be bringing a Christmas classic back to its stage.
This is the fourth year that Hatbox has presented Dickens’ Christmas Carol adaptation, which explores the dream-like qualities of the ghost story. This is the first year that writer Jill Pinard of Three Witches Productions will also be directing the play.
Is it a “bit of undigested bit of beef” causing nightmares as the text suggests or is Scrooge really being visited by Christmas’s specters.
“When I first looked at the text to write the adaptation, I was struck by how Scrooge’s life was full of loss and loneliness – Dickens uses the word ‘sole’ six times on his first page to emphasize Scrooge’s isolation – rather than simply being the grumpy miser that so many associate with the character,” Pinard said of adjustments she made to the script before applying to direct the performance. “I wanted my version to emphasize that loneliness. Each version at the Hatbox has been a little different, which has really been fun to see, but I was eager to steer this time.”
This year, the Ghost of Christmas Past will be played by Nancy Brennan of Weare, who has a coincidental connection to the role. Her daughter, Molly Brennan, has the same role at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.
Pinard said she hadn’t remembered that Molly was playing Christmas Past when she cast Nancy in the role.
“I cast her as Christmas Past because she was right for the part,” Pinard said. “She also plays the Charwoman, which serves as a nice contrast.”
Pinard previously worked with Nancy in Macbeth this year and Twelfth Night last winter.
“Molly and I think it’s great fun that we are playing the same part at the same time,” Nancy said. “A love of theatre has always been something Molly and I share.”
There are a few differences however: Molly has been a professional actor in Chicago for more than 20 years. Nancy is a retired John Stark teacher and amateur actor.
Molly will fly above the stage of the Goodman Theatre as Christmas Past, using a technique she first performed in her role as Peter Pan at John Stark, under the direction of her mother.
“She is known for her physical skills and her comedy. American Theatre Magazine called her ‘Chicago’s queen of mischief and make-believe.’ ” Nancy said. “I, on the other hand, am strictly amateur.”
Nancy said she will be heading to Chicago to watch her daughter after the Hatbox’s show closes.
Though its the first time Nancy is in the show, but as the Hatbox’s fourth year, it’s become something of a tradition.
“I’ve come back to the character of Scrooge because his story is an enduring tale of redemption,” said Erik Hodges, who was the lead character the first year the play was staged. “We like to think that no soul is beyond repair and Scrooge’s recovery is made by h im alone, on a restless Christmas Eve.”
Other repeat cast members include Tina and Paige Annis (all four years), Erik Shaffer as Bob Cratchit (three years) and Laura Hogland, who was in a different role last year. Newcomers to the play, but not necessarily the Hatbox, are Lauren Batchelder, Wilder DiMauro, Pam Vizcarrondo, Holly Keenan, Audrey Malone and Ian Allen.
“I love the Hatbox, a small intimate space where we tell the traditional holiday story with a handful of actors playing multiple parts,” Nancy Brennan said.
Showtimes will be Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from Dec. 6 to 15. There will be an additional show Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $18 adults; $15 for members, seniors, and students; and $12 for senior members. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit hatboxnh.com or call 715-2315.