Theater Review: ‘Christmas Carol By Candlelight’ At 204 Instills Holiday Spirit

 Step into the old Harwich Middle School auditorium — now the 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building — and you may feel a rush of memories before the soft glow of countless candles takes your breath away: candles on the front and the back of the performance area and some even floating in the air above the stage. It’s a spellbinding effect. 

 The show — Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” — and the effects are the brainchild of director/designer Tristan DiVincenzo and his theatre company called CAPENESS. DiVencenzo has brought together both professional and amateur performers to give audiences his take on Dickens's classic. He doesn't fool with the original concept of a miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation through eerie visits from his dead business partner and ghosts from the past, present and future. That’s all here, but he adjusts some of the language and adds little asides that make the story even more relatable. And he cast Jay Stewart as Scrooge. 

 Stewart is phenomenal. His sneer in the beginning of the show sets you back in your seat, and then in contrast his joy at the end of the tale is infectious. This show is sure to send you off with a smile on your face. 

 Stewart is surrounded by 17 young and old talented Cape Cod performers, all decked out in period costumes. Bob Cratchet (Andy Bonwit), Mrs. Cratchet (Julianne Bonwit) and their children (Teddi Bonwit, Sam Bonwit, and Aria Nickerson) are here. Nickerson is adorable as Tiny Tim. Scrooge’s nephew Fred (Em Entwistle) and guests ignore Scrooge’s lack of seasonal spirit with true aplomb. Steph DeFarrie is downright spooky as the ghost of Jacob Marley; I loved the sound effects of his chains. They, along with Nichole Shaw, Oliver Shaw, Kate Seeley, Coco Kemp, Kai Brimdyr, Isabella Petrov and Chelsey Augenti convey the participants in the many scenes the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future (Juliet Seeley, Kate Martin and Karen McPherson) show Scrooge. 

The show is about 90 minutes long with a 10-minute intermission. 

 Feeling a little “Bah Humbug!” or just need a dose of holiday cheer? This show is the ticket!