A Christmas Carol

"It's not my business!" proclaims poor Ebeneezer Scrooge. Besieged by carolers, people asking for money, family asking him to come to dinner, his own clerk wanting to add some coal to the counting-house fire. Why can't they just leave him alone? Coal is expensive, he certainly can't help the poor if they can't help themselves, and family? It's all a "Humbug."

"A Christmas Carol" returns to Trinity to kick off the Holiday season, and this year, as usual, there's a familiar face fleshing out everyone's favorite miser, Mister Scrooge. Joe Wilson, Jr. leads a magical cast this year, and coincidentally, it was a production of this show that he first starred in as a member of the resident acting company. Forty years ago, in 1977, "A Christmas Carol" was added to Trinity's lineup and is marked by the fact that this production is re-imagined every year with a new cast, director, and designers.

Wilson is joined by resident company members Rachael Warren, Janice Duclos, Rebecca Gibel and Anne Scurria. Both Angela Brazil and Stephen Thorne co-direct this year, lending their vast experience as company actors to the production. The rest of the cast feature some up and coming actors and Shaffany Terrell makes her debut here as Fezziwig's daughter/Lucy/Ghost of Christmas yet to come. Daniel Duque-Estrada, who portrays Jacob Marley/Topper/Poor husband, was last seen in Trinity's "Midsummer Night's Dream," and Jack Dwyer (Fred/Royal exchange) was last seen in this theater's "Romeo and Juliet."

Local artist Taavon Gamble ("Oklahoma!") and Oriana Lada return to the stage in various roles, as well. The always entertaining Scurria makes a fun and fabulous Ghost of Christmas Past, Gibel has a funny turn as Mrs. Dilber, Scrooge's charwoman, they are both delightful. No less than four actors present the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come (Gamble, Terrell, Qiana Sumner and Calista Aguinaldo, making for a creepy unison dance of dread.) The Ghost of Christmas Present is played by the charismatic Orlando Hern�ndez, who tap dances his way through Scrooge's present world, a delight to see, and a grand entrance, to boot.

This year the action is at center stage, designed by Michael McGarty, the audience surrounding all the action, where there is truly no bad seat to be had. There's music, as well, including an inspired tune done with bells. You'll have to get your ticket to see it, and the production numbers don't disappoint, either.

Continuing the tradition of local talent, the children are all portrayed by locals, Sofia Borges (delightful in various roles,) Joshua Pacheco as Tiny Tim, David-Allen Sumner, Jr. (Young Scrooge,) and Samuel Wright, Anai Nightingale and Qiana Sumner.

Joe Wilson Jr. doesn't disappoint as the old Scrooge. He makes the role his own; crotchety yet humorous, making the magic and his redemption all the more fun to witness, is there no one this guy can't play? Fantastic, magical, musical and not to be missed this year, "A Christmas Carol" at Trinity just might get you into the Holiday "Spirit" before it's too late.

"A Christmas Carol" runs through December 31 at the Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903. For information or tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit www.trinityrep.com