BroadwayWorld: AN IRISH CAROL 2018

Humbug’s my usual reaction when there’s yet another variation of “A Christmas Carol” on local stages this time of year. Can’t someone come up with an original idea for a Christmas play?

No such complaints at The Keegan Theatre, where their response has been a sublime one, returning for its eighth season — a work written so deftly it hits the touchstones of the Dickens tale used in the most subtle ways. At the same time, it fully creates its own world – one also familiar in the theater realm.

Using the language of Dickens’ story, which serve as a kind of a theatrical muscle memory, [Matthew J. Keenan’s “An Irish Carol”] turns out to be one of the least sentimental, most realistic and overall satisfying holiday fare on local stages. Although new to me, it’s not a surprise that it’s become an annual favorite.

Funny, sad and always human; bitter and strong as a shot, “An Irish Carol” is highly recommended holiday viewing.

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