A Christmas Carol in Harlem (2018)
Closed 1h 30m
A Christmas Carol in Harlem (2018)
78

A Christmas Carol in Harlem (2018) NYC Reviews and Tickets

78%
(26 Ratings)
Positive
85%
Mixed
11%
Negative
4%
Members say
Entertaining, Clever, Refreshing, Delightful, Relevant

About the Show

This timeless, seasonal story from Charles Dickens has been modernized, set in Harlem and infused with The Classical Theatre of Harlem's signature style of re-inventing classic works with an urban flair.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (26)

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755 Reviews | 145 Followers
100
Entertaining, Refreshing, Funny, Great dancing, staging, Great holiday story, refreshing

See it if If you like or love The Christmas Carol Story telled in a refreshing, lovely way. Great for all ages.

Don't see it if If you don't want a happy story or just like the classic Christmas Carol Story. Read more

115 Reviews | 47 Followers
89
Clever, Delightful, Relevant, Resonant

See it if If you love a holiday show. If you love the original dickens. If you’re enjoying updated versions of classics. Would you like a good acting

Don't see it if If you like classic material to just be classic material. You are an actual Scrooge. You don’t like things moved from England to New York Ci

267 Reviews | 52 Followers
81
Delightful, Refreshing, Relevant, Entertaining, Great dancers

See it if You want a fun Christmas show that is a little different. Includes excellent dancers, clever use of video and very entertaining ghosts!

Don't see it if You only like traditionally staged holiday productions, or can't stand to leave midtown. You'll be missing out, though.

119 Reviews | 32 Followers
80
Entertaining, Great acting, Resonant, Relevant, Refreshing

See it if You like new takes on old stories, especially with a socially relevant tone. Also, the choreography is FANTASTIC.

Don't see it if You are tired of the basic story of Scrooge and if you do not appreciate a new twist with a different style.

166 Reviews | 49 Followers
78
Great dancing, Entertaining, Clever, Some humor

See it if you want to get into the holiday spirit; if you enjoy enjoy plays with a social justice message.

Don't see it if you're expecting the actual Christmas Carol - this is an updated version.

116 Reviews | 21 Followers
76
Clever, Delightful, Fluffy, Slow

See it if You want A no thrills fun take on Scrooge's xmas story. You appreciate production with performers of all ages. You dont expect much. Fun.

Don't see it if If you want in your face fun from get go. You want high end Broadway show, you get bored easily. You think city college is far. U r scrooge

57 Reviews | 21 Followers
75
Ambitious, Dizzying

See it if very contemporary sketches, clever scene changes

Don't see it if quite a departure from the traditional Christmas Carol of Dickens

57 Reviews | 10 Followers
75
Clever, Funny, Quirky, Thought-provoking, Enchanting

See it if Very cute production with good vocals. You can tell the cast is proud of what they’ve created! Fun to watch.

Don't see it if You don’t like A Christmas Carol. It’s a nice twist on the classic.

Critic Reviews (3)

The New York Times
November 30th, 2018

“Truth be told, this brisk, 90-minute production has yet to find its way...It has a curiously unfestive air despite some lovely interspersed a cappella carols...Graham’s script is problematic, too, whittling away at both the depth and number of characters...Feeling, unfortunately, goes by the wayside in this 'Christmas Carol'...Merchant's Scrooge doesn’t seem all that mean, but he never seems fully formed either. And if he’s merely a clown, how much can we care?"
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Theatre is Easy
December 8th, 2018

"'A Christmas Carol in Harlem' is a cozy, spirit-filled way to spend an evening, especially as a resident of Harlem...It is refreshing to be in a theatrical space that really understands and serves their target audience. Although the piece certainly is feel-good and jolly in all the right ways, I didn't truly appreciate its magic until afterwards...On the cusp of the centennial of the Harlem Renaissance, it is exciting to encounter a group looking to celebrate that same explosion of art and culture."
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Plays to See
December 2nd, 2018

"Shawn René Graham cleverly reworks the heartwarming 'A Christmas Carol,' changing almost none of the essentials but presenting a nearly-new story that is modernized, individual, and distinct to Harlem...It’s a great gift to see a classic, beloved tale done well, and an even greater one to see it transformed in a way that finds more meaning for its audience...A production that finds strength in the depth of talent that makes up the whole."
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