A Christmas Carol Dramaturgy Blog #4

 Adaptations of the Novella

    Dickens’ novella has been adapted countless times, and continues to be today, from written works, to theatre productions, to film, however the first notable telling of the story (other than the release of the original work) was Dickens’ readings following its release. Due to his love of performance and love of the story, his readings were said to be the favorite way of the people to consume the story, as he put on character voices, fully performed the story, and traveled around Europe and the United States to tell it. He charged low costs for tickets and let working class people attend for free as was in line with his devotion to helping the poor and getting the story of compassion and personal change into the minds and hearts of as many people as he could reach. Dickens' first public reading, given in Birmingham Town Hall to the Industrial and Literary Institute was on December 27th 1853. 

Staged Adaptations

    The first known staged version of the story other than by Dickens himself was by British actor Seymour Hicks throughout the late years of the nineteenth century. Hicks toured England with his own non-musical adaptation of the story, in which he played Scrooge. 

    “A Christmas Carol (1964 to present), an original musical stage adaptation written and directed by Tim Dietlein, celebrated its 50th anniversary of consecutive shows in 2015 at the Glendale Centre Theatre. GCT's A Christmas Carol is the longest running adaptation in theatre history. The live performance was filmed and released in 2015 starring Tom Killam as Scrooge and Bradley Bundlie as Tiny Tim.” (Glendale Center Theatre)

Film Adaptations

    When it comes to film Scrooge, or, Marley's Ghost (1901), a short British film that is the earliest surviving screen adaptation. This is a silent film and is available to watch online.

    In recent years as the story has become more widely acknowledged as one intended for children, film adaptations have reflected this. Several animated versions of the story have been released such as Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962),A Christmas Carol (1971), Bugs Bunny's Christmas Carol (1979),Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983) and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (2002). 

    Other notable adaptations for film include A Christmas Carol (1984) starring George C. Scott as Scrooge and David Warner as Bob Cratchit, Scrooged (1988), a modern retelling starring Bill Murray, and The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), a musical film featuring The Muppets, with Michael Caine as Scrooge.

Conclusion

    Charles Dickens wanted to both create a holiday story that would create a festive and lively atmosphere as well as spur social change in the society he was living in. The story has gone on to shape the Christmas season as we know it and encourage readers and audiences alike to strive for an atmosphere of giving and generosity every holiday season. I think the following lines from the script represent what Dickens wanted audiences to get from his story for years to come.

MARLEY 

Business? Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business – charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence were all my business. And now . . . this time of year I suffer most. Hear me, Scrooge, my time grows short. 

FRED 

There are many things in this world from which I have derived good, but by which I have not profited. Christmas is one of them. I have always thought of Christmas time as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time. The only time I know of, in the long calendar year, when men and women open their hearts freely and regard others as if they really were fellow-passengers through this life and not another race of creatures bound on their own journeys. And therefore, Uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe it has done me good and will do me good! And I say, God bless it!

    Oregon State University's production of A Christmas Carol will be available to stream via Dam the Distance podcast starting December 11th to bring you jolly entertainment and festive cheer this holiday season. Merry Christmas!