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

78%

(26 Ratings)

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.

Show-Score Member Reviews (26)

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

Entertaining, Nice dancing & singing, Inoffensive, Benign

See it if you're a fan of the Dickens holiday classic; like to see a sweet 'urban' version that takes no risks; very "G" rated, kids will like it

Don't see it if you expect an edgier, more confrontative interpretation of the old story Read more

Lazy adaptation

See it if Writer made Scrooge a Harlem real RE mogul but then just dropped that theme for a straightforward copy. Boring, lost oppty to say something.

Don't see it if Kids would probably be bored.Dancers are good but choreography unimaginative.Songs all missed.No real characters to care 1 way or another ab Read more

Not in keeping with this theater company's reputation, Stiff boring rewrite, Excruciating

See it if You are trying to lend support to a member of the cast, crew or production team Good ghosts of Christmas past & Present offer relief

Don't see it if If you are expecting the usual quality of Classical Theatre of Harlem - this production bears no resemblance to their typical offering Read more

Entertaining, Great staging, Resonant

See it if you want an ORIGINAL adaptation of this familiar tale. Uses the basic concept & characters but changes enough so it's not the same old story

Don't see it if you're not sympathetic to issues related to social & economic justice, gentrification, community building, etc. Read more

Clever, Entertaining, Funny, Enchanting, Delightful

See it if Want to see the classic Christmas Carol with a modern twist to it, or simply want to start the holiday season with good feelings

Don't see it if If you don’t like musicals or enjoy celebrating Christmas and good will

Entertaining, Funny, Great singing, Great acting, Hilarious

See it if you think you would enjoy the Christmas Carol story with an African American/modern twist.

Don't see it if If you don’t enjoy the christmas carol (scrooge) story or not interested in new vesions of a classic.

Entertaining, Funny, Refreshing

See it if you like a reinvented classic; relevant, fresh and set in Harlem! It's a funny, family-friendly holiday, great for all audiences.

Don't see it if ...you want to regret not having seen it! It's really good; just see it!

Critic Reviews (3)

Trailer

Creative team

The Classical Theatre of Harlem

Producer

Shawn Rene Graham

Playwright

Steve H. Broadnax III

Director

Jason C. Brown

The Spirit of Christmas Present