Joy and love rediscovered at ‘A Christmas Carol’

by Stephanie G. Meditz, editor

No matter who you are and what you do, we’re all in the business of humankind.

Ebenezer Scrooge will learn that important lesson onstage during The Secret Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” for three more shows in the thick of the holiday season, when it most warrants repeating.

“I really hope everybody comes, has a really good time and says that was a fantastic Christmas show, and let’s go again next year,” said Richard Mazda, who directed and adapted the production. Mazda also stars in the play as Scrooge.

Based on Charles Dickens’ beloved novella, the show follows the old miser on Christmas Eve, as he approaches the holiday with nothing but disdain and an irritated “Bah humbug.”

After refusing to join his nephew Fred (Miles Messier) for Christmas dinner and begrudgingly giving his struggling employee Bob Cratchit (Christopher Hoppe) the holiday off, he is visited at night by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley (J.B. Alexander), who is bound by the chains of his selfish past. Marley urges Scrooge to heed the warnings of three spirits, or else be doomed to the same eternity.

The ghosts of Christmases past, present and yet to come force Scrooge to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Come Christmas morning, he wakes up a changed man.

The Ghost of Christmas Present, portrayed by Mia Soleil Jacquez, perfectly matches the cheer of those in Scrooge’s life who have their holiday celebrations in his absence, but are eager to welcome him after his change of heart. Greg Horton also gives a standout performance as a witty, interactive Charles Dickens and a warm, fuzzy Fezziwig, Scrooge’s first employer.

The tall, shadowy Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (Calum Giles) is bone-chilling without saying a word, gesturing with long, spindly fingers to show Scrooge that no one will miss him in death if he does not change.

“If I was a 4-year-old, I’d be scared by it,” Mazda said.

The play has a traditional Victorian setting, but with a current, festive twist. Classic Christmas carols are woven into the story, giving it small moments of joy as Scrooge undergoes his transformation. His participation in a lively dance number at the play’s end is especially heartwarming.

The audience also is invited to join the full cast in song after the show. And there are no excuses — lyrics are provided.

Mazda said the cast includes a combination of professional and student actors from The Secret Academy, which offers classes in acting, singing, dancing and more for young people aged 6 to 18.

And the youngsters in the cast add as much talent and joy to the show as they do wholesomeness. Walter Holmes’ Tiny Tim is utterly lovable, and deserving of all the tea cakes in the world — you can’t help but melt when he begins a new friendship with Scrooge at the end of the show.

“I hope that people come see the effort that we put into these things and understand that their lives are enriched and that ours are by them attending shows,” Mazda said.

There are three remaining performances, on Dec. 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Secret Theatre is located on the ground floor of 10-10 44 Ave. in Long Island City.

Tickets info is at secrettheatre.com/shows. One may call (718) 433-9030 or email sta@secrettheatre.com to learn more.

The Secret Theatre is no stranger to the Dickens classic — the company has put it on for the past several years — and it’s hardly Mazda’s first rodeo playing its main character, either.

But the story is especially relevant to the current social and political moment, he said, and a lot of people, including in government, could stand to hear its central imperative to treat others with compassion.

“I hope I help people go away feeling really, really happy, but thinking about the fact that it was a very close call for Scrooge. He saves himself in the end, but only just,” Mazda said. “And maybe we’re at that point on the precipice as human beings — what kind of world do we want?”