Theatre Review: “A Christmas Carol” at A Noise Within

The story of “A Christmas Carol” written by Charles Dickens has become a seasonal annual tradition for many theater companies. So even when most audiences are familiar with the stories and characters, it’s also enlightening to see how creative visionaries adapt the timeless tale to a live stage. Particularly one as professionally produced by experts in their craft tucked in a subtle corner of Pasadena. A Noise Within Theatre, just steps away from the Sierra Madre Villa Metro station, brings holiday cheer with Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” as adapted for the stage by Geoff Elliott. Directed by Julia Rodriguez Elliott and Geoff Elliott.

Set in traditional Victorian London, Ebenezer Scrooge (Geoff Elliott) is the cold-hearted elderly miser.  Succumbed to the life of a wealthy and stingy businessman, he dismisses human values particularly when it comes to Christmas season. Dressed in black neutral attire, the Narrator (Alison Rodriguez) bookends the story with readings directly from the Charles Dickens as written and performed by its characters.

Scrooge’s deceased business partner Marley (Riley Shanahan) appears as a ghostly figure to warn Scrooge of a doomed afterlife bound in chains. To overcome this fate, Scrooge is to be visited by three spirits at a chance for redemption over his treatment of mankind. Marley is not alone as other apparitions appear bound with extended chains swinging and dangling over the audience of the thrust stage. The stunning visual envelopes the audience causing a sense of entrapment. A clever use of space wavering with each agonizing moan of Marley’s ghost.

A blanket of darkness unveils the first of Scrooge’s spiritual visitors, Ghost of Christmas Past (Trisha Miller) flies in on a giant swing gently swaying back and forth like a pendulum of time. Scrooge recounts his time as a secluded boy, relationship to his gone too soon sister, and lost love with Belle (Cassandra Marie Murphy).

Ghost of Christmas Present (Anthony Adu) stands tall with jolly yet astute observation of how the people around Scrooge’s life truly sees him and his effect on others. Bob Cratchit (Kasey Mahaffy) and his family celebrate the holiday in light of his dismal situation. Scrooge’s nephew and only living relative, Fred (Jack Zubieta) raises a glass for a toast to his uncle despite his dismissive behavior. The Ghost of Christmas Present leaving an echo of Scrooge’s own words back at him.

Ghost of Christmas Future (Dan Lin) lurks over the Christmas Yet To Come atop of walking stilts draped in a shredded robe. The fate of his legacy and the life of Tiny Tim (Aria Zhang) rests in the hands of Ebenezer Scrooge.

“A Christmas Carol” at A Noise Within Theatre solidifies the long-lasting staying power of the beloved classic story and characters. The production reemphasizes memorable moments thru stellar performances, eye-catching visuals, and delightful music. There are some clever standouts that set A Noise Within apart from other Christmas Carol productions. Hand bells incorporated early in the first act of the show caught my eyes and ears.

I wished there was more use put in them, but not sure if more would oversaturate the appeal of hand bells. There was more to the Ghost of Marley that heightened the sense of haunting urgency. Being a fan of Halloween myself, I was quite taken by the theater’s approach leaving me breathless. The entrance of the Ghost of Christmas Past from uncertain terror to laid back swinging of innocence translated well. The adornment of the Ghost of Christmas Future as a silent stilt walking spectator made for a unique profile.

The show has a running time of under 2 hours that includes a 15 minute intermission. The first act performed more like a stage play with Christmas weaved within the story. Towards the second act, the show becomes more of a musical with dedicated song and dance numbers. Performances were well rounded from adults with emotional depth. And even the children were professionally well spoken. With many Christmas Carols to choose from this holiday season, A Noise Within should be checked and placed on the nice list rather than a “humbug”.

For those unfamiliar with A Noise Within theatre in Pasadena, “the award-winning resident theater company is honored to represent the entire community at its state-of-the-art, 324-seat performance space. In addition to producing world class performances of classic theater, the organization runs robust education programs with the goal of inspiring diverse audiences of all ages.”

“A Christmas Carol” is presented at A Noise Within Theatre in Pasadena from November 29 – December 24, 2025. For more information including ticket sales, visit https://www.anoisewithin.org/ or call 626-356-3121.

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