THEATER | Jacob Marley makes the play...on Astroturf

There are so many holiday shows and activities to choose from this time of year, it can be a challenge to decide where to spend your time. Even with the state of the economy and holiday gifts to buy, many people are still looking for the opportunity to spend of bit of money on a great holiday show that will offer a bit of the seasonal spirit. For those looking for something a little different, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol at Park Square Theatre in St. Paul is worth consideration.

Written by playwright and actor Tom Mula, the play premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago just over ten years ago. Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol features just one actor, and local performer Jim Lichtscheidl, a regular on the Guthrie stage, does an admirable job interpreting the piece for Park Square.

jacob marley’s christmas carol, a play written by tom mula and directed by richard cook. presented through december 21 at park square theatre, 20 w. 7th pl., st. paul. for tickets ($15-$39) and information, see parksquaretheatre.org.

The set is minimal, intended to focus attention on the actor. Four pieces of furniture set the stage, and the only props Marley uses in the show include a book—believed to be a copy of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol—a single burning candle, and at one point, a glass of water. The only unusual element is the stage floor, which features a strange Astroturf-like area rug of blue and beige geometric patterns

The story offers a “behind the scenes” look at Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased partner. As Marley comes to realize the error of his ways, he has 24 hours to accomplish an assigned task that can help him change his destiny. He discovers that even in his afterlife, Scrooge will help determine his future. A light-hearted spirit named “Bogle” accompanies Marley throughout the story, acting as both a sounding board and comic relief.

Unfortunately, the Park Square production could use a bit more of this comic relief to keep the show moving, especially in the first act. Though Lichtscheidl is a talented actor who deftly carries off the personas of sixteen different characters, he is most in his element when he is most comical—for example, delivering the dry sarcasm of Marley and the capricious wisecracks of Bogle. In the first act, where Marley is trying to grasp the reality of his situation, the somber stretches drag. Of course, the stamina required to pull off a two-hour solo show is phenomenal, and Lichtscheidl is to be commended for his performance; he is on stage the entire time. The second act is much more lively, perhaps because it contains more activity, and Lichtscheidl is able to shine. He makes good use of the limited set, while enacting smooth character transitions and understated pantomime.

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol is advertised as a spirited holiday show—but the dour subject matter of the afterlife, where Marley slowly takes up the chains he earned over his years of greed and deceit, is fairly heavy. I found that the play was quite different than what I had expected. In addition, it is said to be appropriate for children ages ten and up; however, I wouldn’t recommend it for youth. The sobriety of the plot, combined with the minimal set, might make for a long show for squirmy youngsters. Fans of Park Square Theatre, who seemed well represented at the performance I attended, will enjoy this show, as will fans of Jim Lichtscheidl.

Betsy Mowry (betsy.mowry@hotmail.com) is a mosaic artist and an arts education associate at COMPAS.