Some people can play anybody (and maybe even anything). Actor Jefferson Mays is one of those.
The Old Globe Theatre presents Mays through Dec. 22 in his inimitable version of Charles Dickens’ famed “Christmas Carol.” But this isn’t just any old Dickens.
This is “A Christmas Story” told as a ghost story, in cooperation with writers Susan Lyons (Mayo’s wife) and Michael Arden.
We all know the story, but we don’t all get the chance to see an actor of Mays’ ability play all of those parts in a 90-minute one-act extravaganza.
I’d love to know how many voices we heard (it’s more than 50), but I couldn’t help being not just inspired but delighted as he continued through the show. Working from a red-covered book that is presumably his script, he brings us everybody from Tiny Tim to old grandpa (and of course Scrooge), with only an occasional slurp of water as relief.
He giggles, chortles, snorts, laughs and talks like grandma without a hitch, spreading his joy (and Marley’s ghost, attempting to change Scrooge’s bad behavior) around the Globe’s theater-in-the-round.
There isn’t a lot to say about this show, except that it goes by in a hurry and you will be delighted with Mays as he morphs into all of those famous literary characters.
I haven’t seen Mays live onstage for some years. I’m thrilled to see him back in this new version of his famous show and hoping to see him again soon.
The details
“Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story Told by Jefferson Mays” plays through December 22, 2024 at The Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.
Evening shows are at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices start at $64 and can be obtained Tuesday through Sunday at the box office (619) 234-5623) or online at theoldglobe.org.
Free parking is available in the park. Valet parking is available at $22 for pre-purchase or $25 for drive-up, evenings only.
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