Trinity Rep to present virtual version of 'A Christmas Carol,' for free

Trinity Repertory Company said Thursday that the pandemic will not end its 43-year tradition of presenting "A Christmas Carol" for the holidays.

Trinity said this year's production of the Dickens classic will be presented online -- and for free.

Artistic Director Curt Columbus will direct the production, which will feature company member Joe Wilson Jr. as Ebenezer Scrooge. Wilson previously played the role in 2017.

"Together with members of the resident acting company and the production team, Columbus is developing a wholly unique and thoroughly Trinity Rep take on the Dickens classic that integrates traditional theatrical storytelling with technological possibilities only available with digital production," a news release said.

Trinity Rep is famous for changing up the production every year.

"Skipping a year of telling this story is not something that we would consider in normal times, and this year, it is simply unthinkable. Now, more than ever, we need to find ways to (virtually) come together, hear stories of hope, and keep treasured traditions alive," Columbus said.

"I can't tell you how great it feels to finally be making something again," said Executive Director Tom Parrish.

The pandemic version of Trinity Rep's "A Christmas Carol" this year will not be quite the same as in the years past. With the producers, actors, crew and director do have is a little over three months to create a virtual facsimile.

"The way it's made, the way it's rehearsed, the way it's captured is very different than just recording a theater production," added Parrish.

Interactive elements are being woven into the new creation, where those watching, in advance, can gather their own materials, Parrish calls proplets, to enhance the experience.

"Maybe there are certain proplets that we share with the viewers that they can get with at home, use them at appropriate times during the piece so they're almost interacting with it," said Parrish.

The performance will be an hour long instead of two, with about half the cast and crew.

"Over a million people have taken part in 'A Christmas Carol' since it began 43 years ago, and for many families this is an important part of their holiday tradition. We want to be there to serve the community to provide a message of hope to provide tradition, familiarity, things that can ground us as a people, as a culture, as community,” said Parrish wistfully.

There are plans in the works to kick off the multi-day streaming after Thanksgiving, with live local singing of Christmas Carols, maybe to coincide with a Christmas Tree lighting, to roll out the production.

Sponsors and charitable donations are making this pandemic-year production possible.

Details about how to watch "A Christmas Carol" will be available in the fall. Fans can sign up for a reminder on the Trinity website.