“Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.” So begins Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. There are many versions in film, on the stage, and various other mediums. First published in 1843, it has been a part of the world for a long time, so it was a surprise to me when I heard that my daughter-in-law had never seen it before. Yes, it is unavoidable to not know the references of Scrooge and the ghosts (for your trivia, only Marley is a “ghost” in the story, and those that visit Scrooge are “spirits”), but she had never seen the story performed, so when my parents invited my whole family to the Guthrie’s performance this year, we all quickly agreed to attend.
This year’s performance was adapted by Lavina Jadhwani, directed by Addie Gorlin-Han, and based on the original direction by Joseph Haj. I believe it is the third time I have seen the play, second time on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. Some families, like the Guthrie itself, have made this “a timeless holiday tradition.” They see it year after year after year. The set was definitely different from the last time I attended. Entering the theater, a truly bleak Christmas Eve in London is seen. I was impressed with the entrance of the spirit of Christmas Past, when it snowed, with certain scenes where the stage rotated or when props rose up from below the stage, and even with the clock changed to the moon, depending upon the setting: so well-performed and so fun!
While it was my third time seeing the play, I am one to annually view the story. There is always The Muppet Christmas Carol, typically Mickey’s Christmas Carol, and sometimes a new interpretation or variation. Last year I watched Apple TV’s Spirited. The story is the same, the setting is the same, but how it is presented changes. Technology and creativity become two of many variables that impact the adaptations. Who will play the ghosts; will they be re-invented? Will it be a traditional approach, or will it be a modern-take on a classic story?
In my last blog I wrote about baseball and how it is still the same game, yet it is not only changing, but people view it differently now. Baseball was "America’s pastime." Jingles included baseball: “Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Cherevolet.” Tradition seemed to be changing. The Christmas Carol is often a "family tradition" because we know the story; we want to hear the story as we find comfort in what is known. Yet we also can get excited as we anticipate how this year’s performance will be unique. Sometimes there is criticism because it changed too much, the interpretation went too far, or the storyline deviated from the original too much.
After the break, there are two weeks left of the first semester. Only five class periods to learn and demonstrate that learning before scores will be tabulated, results gathered, and grades documented. Everyone knows this “storyline;” it has been this way since The Christmas Carol was written. There is comfort in what is known, excitement for jobs well down, and anticipation for new classes and new possibilities in the current courses for the second semester. Sometimes there is criticism because there was not enough support, the effort demonstrated was not enough, or the final grade deviated too far from those in the past.
A break is here, and everyone is full of its excitement, and half the year is also almost complete. As these events unfold, I wish all families and all Spectrum staff the joy that can come this time of the year, as well as the hope of future possibilities in a new year. I am here to personally support your child at the conclusion of 18 weeks of learning while I suggest taking a moment to pause and revel in the original “storyline” of education yet also to challenge it and try something different to see what adaptations occur.
Weeks at a Glance
- Friday, December 22 - Monday, January 1 - No school: Winter Break
- Friday, January 12 - First Semester ends
- Special Message - Help us spread the word to neighbors, friends, family and community: Spectrum High School and Spectrum Middle School 2024-25 enrollment applications for NEW students are due January 31, 2024 (to be included in the February 15, Enrollment Lottery (Spectrum Application Link). If you have any questions, check out the website, sign up to attend an Information and Tour Session, give us a call at 763.241.8703, or send an email to the Spectrum Registrar to learn more.