New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Reopening with ‘A Christmas Carol’
“It’s incredibly exciting” to be reopening the Ridgefield Theater Barn with “A Christmas Carol,” says Pamme Jones, executive director of the venue that’s been closed since March 12.
The production stars Patrick Spadaccino in his oneman adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. Directed by Scott R. Brill, it runs Saturday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 20. Shows take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Based on the 1843 novel, “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, plus the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. At first, Scrooge doesn’t believe his eyes, but after a wild night of magical experiences, he’s transformed into a kinder, gentler man.
“This was in the slot for us anyway during our normal season and is the perfect show since it’s COVID-friendly, with one man onstage and a very small team doing production,” Jones says. “We also feel the message of the show works well ... it’s nostalgic ... a story of hope and redemption coming out of a dark time.”
Numerous steps have been taken to create a safe environment in the theater. “The people who are ready to come out are going to come because they want that communal experience. And the people who aren’t comfortable, that’s OK. That’s totally fine. That’s why we’re filming a version so people can experience it from home.”
Spadaccino is a joy to be around, she says, and watching him portray all 25 characters in “A Christmas Carol” is pretty astounding. “It really is otherworldly; he’s just so in it,” she says. “To find the right actor to carry off the weight of this show is such a huge piece of the puzzle — the metamorphosis he does throughout the production, which is about 90 minutes, is really something to watch.”
From his opening statement, audience members can expect to feel like they’ve been “plopped right down there with Dickens as he tells this tale,” even though the set never changes and Spadaccino never leaves the stage “they go on this journey with him...”
Jones says members of the in-person audience will find the theater looks different. “We’ve removed most of the tables and chairs, and almost everything from the lobby, as well, to provide as much open space as we can. Prior to showing up, people will get an email to answer — a COVID-compliance questionnaire...”
Temperatures will be taken, as well as information for contact tracing, should it be needed. Bathrooms will be open but there will be no intermission; the goal is to have as little mingling as possible. The closest tables to the stage will be 12 feet from Spadaccino, and everyone will be required to wear a mask unless eating or drinking.
In addition, the heat will be running, but doors and windows will be left open to assure as much air turnover as possible.
“We encourage patrons to bring a small blanket to put over their legs,” Jones says. “We’re excited we have put together a good plan to keep people safe so they can have an evening out.”
Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield. Saturday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Dec. 20, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m .Doors open one hour prior to show time. BYO food & drink. Tables seat four and are sold as a pod; $150 per table. Virtual option also available, $20. 203-431-9850, ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org