OKLAHOMA CITY — In Oklahoma City, the holiday season truly kicks into gear with the cherished annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, “A Christmas Carol,” presented by the esteemed Lyric Theatre.
So gather around the Christmas tree and dazzle the neighborhood with festive lights, as the curtain has officially risen for its 2024 season. On Saturday, November 23rd, the theater was graced with a full house, eager to embark on a stirring journey through themes of greed, ghostly encounters, time travel, and the potent message of redemption during the holiday season.
This year’s production continues to showcase the innovative staging introduced in 2023, featuring breathtaking wirework, mesmerizing ghostly appearances, and an imposing, silent puppet representing “Christmas Yet-to-Come.”
Returning to the stage is the formidable D. Lance Marsh, who continues to take on the pivotal role of Ebenezer Scrooge, known to many as the archetype of Christmas cynicism.
First portraying this iconic character in 2023, Marsh has redefined Scrooge with a commanding physical presence that contrasts sharply with traditional portrayals often associated with frailty and old age.
Professor D. Lance Marsh from Oklahoma City University brings his talents to life in Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol,” captivating audiences for the second consecutive year (provided by Lyric Theater).
Marsh’s stature, combined with his resounding and authoritative voice, casts Scrooge not merely as a miserly boss but as a genuinely fearsome figure that the supporting cast confronts with trepidation, rather than just apprehension over potential financial repercussions.
“I made the choice very early on to say ‘well, they cast me, so they must want a big physical presence,’” Marsh stated during a phone interview with Free Press following the production’s opening night.
“I actually don’t think there’s anything in the original Dickens story that says that he has to be frail,” he continued, highlighting his own six-foot-two, two hundred fifty-pound frame. “I just had to figure out how to make that presence work.”
However, it is not solely Marsh’s robust physicality and intimidating demeanor that distinguish his portrayal of Scrooge. Unlike the rest of the cast, who engage in the exuberant musical numbers, Scrooge remains aloof, embodying his disdain for cheerfulness.
In this rendition of Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol,” music serves a pivotal role, setting it apart from traditional musical theater, as it incorporates exclusively charming traditional carols and Christmas hymns, naturally performed by the cast as they celebrate together.
The absence of original tunes or dramatic solos does not diminish the significance of music within the production; rather, it becomes a vital means for the ensemble to express themes of joy, gratitude, and unwavering faith amidst the oppressive realities of poverty and insatiable greed that Scrooge himself epitomizes.
This purposeful exclusion from the musical festivities reflects Scrooge’s character, as he refrains from embracing the joy that music signifies until the climactic conclusion of the story.
“He hates cheerful music,” Marsh said in reference to Scrooge. “Music affects you at a physical level and sometimes bypasses the brain to go straight to the body, and that’s something that Scrooge would find distasteful. So he wants nothing to do with it.”
The music within the show, even if one is typically not inclined towards solemn, sacred Christmas melodies, captivates audiences through the harmonious chorals performed across the stage.
Yet, for Scrooge, the journey towards an appreciation of such joyous melodies is gradual, keeping him as an observer of the lively musical segments, highlighting his unwillingness to join in the camaraderie.
“It doesn’t feel like I’m just standing up there listening to music, though,” Marsh elaborated. “I’m reacting to the story. The music in this show is action. It moves. So it’s pretty easy to react to it that way.”
When the music finally penetrates Scrooge’s hardened exterior, it culminates in what is undoubtedly the most pivotal musical sequence of the entire show.
“When he’s finally back in his bedroom and he finally comes to the full transformation,” Marsh explained, “there’s that wonderful choir moment where they’re coming down the aisle as well, just before he starts to say ‘okay, I’m going to be a new man.’”
In this interpretation by the Lyric Theatre, music stands as a symbol of joy, unity, and the essence of humanity. Scrooge’s epiphany corresponds with his decision to let music infiltrate his life once again, marking a significant turnaround.
“It’s this really beautiful hymn that they sing, and in that moment, Scrooge has really changed his view of the music,” Marsh expressed. “And I let that really affect me on stage.”
Lyric Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” runs now through December 27th at their venue, Lyric at the Plaza Theatre. For showtimes, tickets, and more information, visit lyrictheatreokc.com.
You can find out about local music and performance happenings in the OKC metro weekly in this music column by Brett Fieldcamp. | Brought to you by True Sky Credit Union.
Brett Fieldcamp has been an esteemed contributor to the arts, entertainment, news, housing, and cultural sectors in Oklahoma for nearly 15 years, writing for various local and state publications. A talented musician and songwriter, he holds a specialist certification in spirits from The Society of Wine Educators.
