The Joy of Giving (Highview Arts Center)

stagedoorlouisville
Dec 17, 2025
2 min read

A Christmas Carol Based on the story by Charles Dickens Adapted and written by Kathy Preher Reynolds Directed by Ke’Leb Beauchamp Review by Lan Nguyen-Colgate

A Christmas Carol is a timeless play with countless adaptations. The recent production by Highview Arts Center is adapted and written by Kathy Preher Reynolds and directed by Ke’Leb Beauchamp. The story of miser, Ebenzer Scrooge, who is visited by three ghosts of Christmas and is transformed into a kind, generous man remains the same. However, Reynolds has added the narrative of a modern family struggling with a recent loss and grief to run parallel to Scrooge’s story. Some familiar scenes are cut, and others changed. Even with the changes, the production holds the glowing warmth one expects from A Christmas Carol.

A charming, snowy village scene is hand-painted onto a flat, wooden background. Thick and bold outlines for buildings are reminiscent of old, animated films. Moving doors separate spaces from one another and denote scene changes. Set expansions are cleverly folded into the walls– taken out and put away quickly. While the costuming does not accurately reflect the Victorian era, there is a significant effort to combine clothing items to create shapes reminiscent of clothing from the time. Costume choices for the Christmas ghosts are done smartly. Each wears a long cloak, giving off an air of whimsy and magic– allowing them to stand outside any specific period in history. Yet the colors chosen signify their place in the timeline.

The casting is where the production really excels. Nearly all the actors are cast in multiple roles. The directing is very clear and effective. Actors move on and off stage constantly, through rapid costume and scene changes with ease. Michael Harris is the heart of the show, playing both the modern-day Grandpa and Scrooge. His sorrow and bitterness are deeply felt through the early half of the play. And when Scrooge, transformed, exclaims “Merry Christmas” in earnest, the audience cannot help but feel their hearts lift.

In contrast, Brandon Saylor, makes a jolly Bob Crachitt. The four ghosts –Jacob Marley (Kate Barriteau), Christmas Past (Michael Radford), Christmas Present (Brooke Spatol), and Christmas Future (Jude Stivers) play their roles exemplary well. It is worth noting that no English accents are used within the show–allowing the actors to focus on the meaning within their lines.

This version of A Christmas Carol provides warmth and joy that is so deeply desired during this time of year. Yet it doesn’t shy away from the difficulties that come with the holidays including grief and strained family relationships. Most importantly though, as playwright Kathy Preher Reynolds states, this show is about “...connection through giving. Giving to those in need, yes, but also giving love –to our families, to our communities, and to ourselves.” Everyone involved with the production–both cast and crew–is committed to giving and reminding us of the spirit of the season. A Christmas Carol at Highview Arts Center is a standout performance among the many holiday productions this season.

A Christmas Carol Highview Arts Center December 12-15, 18-21 2025 7406 Fegenbush Ln. Louisville, KY 40228

(502) 783-6609

https://highviewartscenter.com