Great tidings! The Ridgefield Theater Barn is now open and is staging a fantastic one man adaptation of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” . It has been 10 months since we have enjoyed live theater because of the Covid-19 pandemic, so we were thrilled to spend a special evening at one of our favorite local venues. This classic 19th Century tale of the greed, bitterness and the harsh reality of life in that period is in stark contrast to the joyous Christmas season.
The show, which was originally presented in 2018 at the Farmington Valley Stage Company in Collinsville, CT, stars Patrick Spadaccino in his one-man adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Mr. Spadaccino plays 25 different roles in the 90 minute performance and brings each character to life. The production is directed by Scott R. Brill.
Dickens tale is well known as it follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, mean, and lonely business owner in 19th Century Britain. He has no care for his fellow citizens or workers and downright detests the joy of the Christmas season. Scrooge finds himself quite alone in his miserable existence, alienated from everyone around him. A ghostly spirit visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve to show him the error of his ways. The Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Futures guides Scrooge through his life and what will happen to him in the end. An end that is cold, lonely and devoid of humanity. But there is hope in the Spirit’s message that Scrooge can change the course of his future. The Ghost of Christmas present shows Scrooge visiting Bob Cratchit’s family feast and introduces the audience to the iconic character of Tiny Tim who is seriously ill, and only if Scrooge changes his ways will he be healed.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Scrooge his own death, where there are no friends, no mourners and only people selling off his belongings for money. Horrified by this outcome, Scrooge is set on changing his ways before Christmas Day. The lessons of the story ring true today as they did when it was first published in 1843
Patrick Spadaccino was brilliant in this one man acting tour de force. The set is simple and the costume changes minimal, but by the way he was able to change his voice and his facial expressions were quite mesmerizing. As he wove in and out of characters on stage, your mind was convinced there was more than one actor on the stage. It was quite the performance. Direction by Scott R. Brill was excellent as the play keeps the audience members riveted.
With many holiday events cancelled due to Covid, this is a very special event and a great way to get into the holiday spirit and to support local theater. The play show will run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8pm, with Sunday matinees at 2pm through December 20th.
The theater has in place their own in-house Covid-certified Compliance Officer and has taken many steps in order to satisfy all Covid protocols.
. The seating capacity has been reduced , tables are spaced out, and masks are required. Special air filtration, cleaning as well as increased fresh air circulation has made the venue a safer place for all to enjoy.
For tickets and information: Click the link below
Ridgefield Theater Barn
37 Halpin Lane Ridgefield Ct
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