Review: 'A Christmas Carol' by NewArts

Bethel, CT - NewArts is the performing arts side of a comprehensive program to help children gain confidence, inspiration and skills to rise above and go beyond even the most difficult challenges. The not-for-profit 1214 Foundation’s eighth production in four years, and their first winter production ever, is a beautifully adapted version of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol.’ Michael Unger returns to direct and produce this celebrated production that he has directed at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton NJ from 2000 to 2015. It is a generous Christmas gift that this theatre and the original creative team gave to Newtown when they loaned them this magnificent production to launch at Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel.

Executive Producer Michael Baroody, MD is the founder of NewArts and consistently stresses that the productions will always be of the highest quality. It is a lofty goal for his young performers and the adults who work with them. Yet, I have had the pleasure of seeing multiple performances of every single one of the productions and I have never been disappointed. It is perfect that this production runs through the anniversary of the 12/14 tragedy at Sandy Hook to gently remind us, as Mr. Unger writes, that “it is never too late to change and that we can all do more to help repair the world.”

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I was disappointed to see that every seat in the church was not filled on opening night. Go experience ‘A Christmas Carol.’ December 9th @7pm, December 10th @7pm, December 11th @3pm December 16th @7pm, December 17th @7pm December 18th @3pm, December 21 @7pm and December 22nd @7pm. Tickets will be available at the door, but I recommend getting tickets ahead online so you can choose your seat and avoid the line. All shows staged at Walnut Hill Church, 156 Walnut Hill Rd, Bethel, CT.

Photo by Michelle Spanedda