Washington D.C.’s Ford’s Theater — famously known as the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination — is hosting the performed adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.
The well-known holiday favorite tells the story of Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, an acrimonious and stingy old grouch enduring a detestable Christmas season. For reasons initially unknown, Mr. Scrooge is repulsed by the joy that characterizes his community throughout the season. Instead of participating in the annual merriment, Ebenezer bitterly scours the neighborhood in search of those indebted to him to demand repayment.
After repeatedly insulting and depressing those around him, Ebenezer solidifies his reputation as cold-hearted, uncompromising and — most notably — vehemently abhorrent of all Christmas spirit. It takes a night of unexpected visits from three ghosts, Past, Present and Yet to Come, to understand the deep-seated reasons behind his vile behavior.
Audiences travel with Mr. Scrooge and the ghosts to revisit Ebenezer’s unfortunate childhood memories and multiple losses of loved ones. Scrooge is forced to bear witness to the effects of his greediness — namely the the ill state of Tiny Tim and the abandonment felt by Scrooge's nephew. Ebenezer is prematurely exposed to his fate and panicked by the prospects of dying alone and forgotten.
This eventful Christmas eve strikes a chord in Mr. Scrooge, inducing a change of heart and a vow to change his “bahumbug” ways. The tale ends with Ebenezer generously donating, opening his home to visitors and embracing the holiday mentality.
Dickens’s novel, written in the Victorian Era, continually stands the test of time in movie, theater and an abundance of spin-off adaptations. Visit the historical Ford’s Theater throughout the remainder of December to hear the closing “God bless us, everyone” that continues warm audiences everywhere.
