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

78%

(26 Reviews)

Positive

85%

Mixed

11%

Negative

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.

"A Christmas Carol in Harlem" places Ebenezer Scrooge as a real estate mogul who has made his fortune at the expense of others. Scrooge foregoes using his wealth to affect positive change within his Harlem community and instead lives a life of miserly solitude. That is, until three unexpected visitors arrive on Christmas Eve to show him that the value of family and the impact of cooperation will lead to a healthy, thriving, and prosperous community.

Member Reviews (26)

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

Morality-tale plot-faithful / slow but entertaining, Creative set & props / strong video-projections, Solid acting & vocals / good 'ography & dancing, Great music (holiday-traditional plus contemporary), Ambitious / humorous / modern / family-friendly

See it if you're ok w/yet ANOTHER "A Christmas Carol" adaptation. Harmless, innocent, not too deep, slow as molasses but funny, enjoyable family-show.

Don't see it if you expect a more solid & grander production. Show doesn't really open-up & 'begin' until Ghosts of Christmas Past & Present arrive. Read more

Critic Reviews (3)

“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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"'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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"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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