34 Years, 700 Artists, One Timeless Tale: Players’ Ring Unveils Its Most Poetic ‘Christmas Carol’ Yet

PORTSMOUTH – Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is the most popular story about Christmas and definitely the most adapted of all time. Dozens of cinematic and theatrical versions have appeared across every medium, scale, and interpretation imaginable. The Players’ Ring Theatre will present this year’s production, adapted and directed by Ben Bagley, Dec. 5 through Dec. 28.

“So, year after year, we inevitably ask ourselves: do we really need another Christmas Carol?” asked the Ring’s Executive Director Margherita Giacobbi.

“There are countless innovative and diverse stories across the world’s cultures that carry the same message — trust in humanity, redemption, generosity. But the truth is that going to see ‘A Christmas Carol’ is like putting on your favorite movie in your pajamas on the sofa. You’re not there for the surprise; you’re there for the emotion you know it will make you feel.”

The Players’ Ring, though, goes a step further. 

“For the past 34 years, we’ve presented different adaptations of Dickens’ novella,” said Giacobbi. “That means that each time, a playwright — often a local one — has spent time with the text, analyzed it, and written an original stage adaptation. Every single year, we’ve had a different director, a different team of designers, and a different group of actors. We’ve gone from one-man shows to big casts.”

Giacobbi did a bit of math and said if you consider a conservative average of 20 people per year between cast and creative teams, that means the Ring’s involved nearly 700 artists in just this production alone. 

“That’s pretty amazing,” she said. “So yes, our patrons come back over and over again — but what they see is always something new. They experience different interpretations, fresh perspectives, and original approaches to a story they love.”

Some years, the adaptations have been particularly bold — like the one presented last year, which they’re bringing back this season because its run was cut short for health reasons and left audiences wanting more. This version, written and directed by Ben Bagley, defies expectations of what “A Christmas Carol” should look like. Instead of the elaborate, full sets and heaps of props often associated with it, this adaptation is minimalistic, immensely poetic, and rich in atmosphere.
It fully embraces the ghostly essence of Dickens’ original — after all, there are four spirits whose job is to scare Ebenezer into redemption — while also squeezing every bit of humor from the text.

And there is plenty of humor in Dickens’ writing! In Bagley’s adaptation, it shines through, thanks in part to the presence of two “fools” who carry the narration. Audiences will go from being genuinely petrified by the howling of Jacob Marley to laughing out loud as the fools offer their irreverent commentary.

“The cast is extraordinary,” Giacobbi said. “In fact, one of the most beautiful outcomes of this adaptation is how its unique vision has attracted artists who might not otherwise be drawn to what is often dismissed as an overly familiar or sentimental story.”

In a nutshell, the Ring is “completely smitten and deeply proud of this production.” 

“Despite its immense popularity, ‘A Christmas Carol’ at The Players’ Ring continues to embody our mission: to surprise our audiences with innovative content, or innovative interpretations of well-known stories,” Giacobbi said.

“We’ve definitely achieved that again this year with Ben’s production — and I can’t wait for our patrons to tick their holiday show box and walk away saying, ‘I’ve never seen ‘A Christmas Carol’ quite like that.’”

Curious about the process? The first Sunday matinee show (Dec. 7) will be followed by an optional talkback with the playwright, director and cast!

The Ring’s neighbor, The Puddle Dock restaurant, and its sister restaurant “Tour” on Lafayette Road, are both offering a 10% discount on food to Players’ Ring patrons. Visit their websites to reserve, and present your ticket when you ask for your check.
 
The Players’ Ring is grateful for the support of “A Christmas Carol” show sponsor, First Seacoast Bank, and its othersponsors. Patrons of the Arts: The Eppes-Jefferson Foundation, Tour Restaurant, The Puddle Dock Restaurant, RAKA Creative. Supporters: Business Cents, City of Portsmouth Recreation Department, Dowling HVAC, Port City Makerspace. Media Partners: Portsmouthnh.com and Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth. 
 
 
 
 
Go & Do
“A Christmas Carol,” Adapted and Directed by Ben Bagley
Where: The Players’ Ring Theatre, 105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth NH
               Phone: 603-436-8123
When: Dec. 5 – Dec. 28. Select Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. 90 minutes with no intermission.
Cost: General Admission: $35: Students / Seniors (65+): $32; Children (under 12): $22; Military / First Responders: $32; Group 10+: $32/29; Group 20+: $30/27. Visit www.playersring.org to order tickets.