One actor, 35 characters: StoryBook Theatre’s ‘One Christmas Carol’

A Christmas Carol has more than 35 characters, but the way Storybook Theatre tells it, you only need one person.

“I am that one person,” says Natascha Girgis. “I play everything.” 

With the help of a black box, three chairs, and some lights, the format is built on imagination. 

Director JP Thibodeau previously staged this adaptation before with other actors and revived it three years ago with Girgis, who says she was eager to jump in to the challenge.

“I love the one-person format,” she says. “I love the way the imagination is brought to life for the audience… you need to encourage them to see everything that you’re putting out there.” 

When she first read the script, written by an American performer who adapted Dickens to suit his own storytelling style, Girgis says it stood out.

“I was so moved when I read the script, because it really gets to the heart of the piece,” she said.

The show runs between 82 and 85 minutes, performed without an intermission.

“We had the option of putting in an intermission, but it didn’t make much sense for another 20 minutes of storytelling,” Girgis explains. 

Although StoryBook is known for family programming, Girgis does not soften the darker elements of Dickens’ original text.

“I feel the story needs to go to a dark place in order for Ebenezer Scrooge to have the epiphany and find the light,” she says. “You need to show despair… You have to go there.” 

Some characters come directly from the script; others Girgis adds to improve clarity and pacing.

“There are three different portly gentlemen described in the piece. So you need to come up with three different portly individuals and what’s their makeup,” she explains. “Where do they sit from? And how do they walk?” 

She also expands moments the script treats quickly, such as turning one charity collector into two: “Why don’t we see both of them? Why don’t they talk to each other and interrupt each other?” 

Girgis describes the experience simply: “To hear an ornate story told in a simple way that will engage your imagination… Bring your family, bring your friends, and share in the telling of Dickens.” 

One Christmas Carol runs to Dec. 23.

Tickets and more information can be found here.