A minimal production gives maximum pleasure

Richmond Shakespeare's Grant Mudge first adapted Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" as a little holiday presentation for his family. Eleven years ago, he and Cynde Liffick expanded the adaptation, and Mudge has presented it yearly to Richmond audiences.

It's a unique experience in which you enjoy the intimate feeling of being among Mudge's family, watching him and, this year, collaborator Molly Hood as they perform a vest-pocket tour de force.

This is an hourlong rendering of the classic tale of Scrooge and the spirits he encounters as he is led to mend his miserly ways. Mudge and Liffick focus on the essentials of the story, highlighting Dickens' message that miserliness is miserable enough in itself, but such lack of generosity leaves many in want and ignorance, damaging society as a whole.

The production is minimal, too, in the Richmond Shakespeare style -- just a few lovely costume elements and well-designed props make visual suggestions; the rest is left to the text and the prodigiously gifted actors, each of whom plays numerous characters.

Mudge's portrayal of Scrooge is so physical, so graceful, he shows us the man from student days to old age. And Hood's dynamic performance brings spirits, children, crooks and fat old men to life. Both actors are endlessly inventive in the vocal variety they bring to their roles, and their energy is astonishing.

The experience of "A Christmas Carol for Two Actors" is like being at a two-ring circus. There are two fascinating performances going on at once, and you hate to miss a second of either one.
Susan Haubenstock is a freelance writer and editor based in Henrico County. Contact her at .