Some traditions have roots that go back so far in time there is no living memory to recount the beginning.
Lyric Theatre is letting everyone in on a new holiday custom from the start. While A Christmas Carol may be a familiar story to most, Oklahoma City’s venerable theater company is putting a signature touch to it.
Presented by Devon Energy, Lyric’s A Christmas Carol brings Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley’s Ghost and Victorian London society to the stage of Lyric at the Plaza.
Lyric artistic director Michael Baron directs the production complete with intricate sets and costumes along with music and a cast that includes Lyric theater veteran Jonathan Beck Reed as the cold-hearted, money-hoarding Scrooge.
Scrooge learns a lesson in humanity when he is visited by three spirits, each revealing glimpses of Christmas past, present and future.
“This show, more than any of the many I’ve acted in throughout the course of my long career, changes people,” says Reed. “There are those who exit the theater a different person from the one who walked in. Scrooge’s onstage epiphany often extends beyond the footlights and out into the audience, and changes lives in lasting and important ways.”
Reed is joined on stage by 18 other actors in this telling which also includes a musical element. If Lyric Theatre is known for anything, it’s how to put on a good musical show.
Lyric’s A Christmas Carol runs Dec. 9-31 with both evening and matinee performances scheduled. With so many opportunities to catch this new OKC tradition, there will be few (if any) humbugs around.
For tickets, show schedules and more information, go to www.lyrictheatreokc.com.
