St. Mark High School in Ottawa recently transported audiences to Victorian London with its festive and charming production of the timeless holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. The student performance, reviewed as part of the Cappies program, successfully captured the spirit of Charles Dickens' beloved novella, leaving viewers with a potent mix of nostalgia and seasonal reflection.
Student Performances Bring Dickens to Life
The heart of the production rested on the shoulders of its talented student cast. Katie Collins delivered a powerful and nuanced performance as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Collins masterfully portrayed the character's journey from bitter frustration to heartfelt joy, commanding the stage with a presence that made Scrooge's transformation both believable and moving.
Scrooge's cheerful nephew, Fred, was brought to life with merriment and cheeky charm by Lydia Malcolm. Malcolm's clear voice, dramatic mannerisms, and convincing British accent, coupled with her excellent chemistry with fellow actors, made her a consistent source of energy on stage.
The Cratchit family provided a touching and authentic portrayal of humble Christmas joy. Zayne McDonald fully embodied the nervous yet caring father, Bob Cratchit, while Ainsley Hull perfectly captured the essence of the loving, stressed matriarch. The young actors playing the Cratchit children interacted like real siblings, with Elizabeth Dowser earning particular praise for her smile-inducing portrayal of Belinda Cratchit.
Behind the Scenes Excellence
The success of the play was not limited to the actors on stage. The technical and design teams contributed significantly to the production's authentic atmosphere. The props team, led by Alexa Rodriguez, provided simple, period-accurate items like Scrooge's quill and a crocheted goose that enhanced the storytelling without distraction.
Alyssa Sandercott's lighting design creatively established the overall ambience, shifting effectively to support the ghostly visits and the more intimate family scenes, proving crucial to the narrative's emotional impact.
A Legacy of Student Theatre and Community
Directed by Erin Hand, the production was reviewed by Shayera Robinson, a critic from St. Patrick’s High School, as part of the Canada's Capital Cappies program. This initiative celebrates creativity, collaboration, and student excellence in theatre arts across the region.
The performance at St. Mark High School served as a reminder of the enduring power of Dickens' story and the impressive capabilities of student-led arts. It provided a festive, community-oriented event that highlighted the dedication and talent within Ottawa's high school theatre scene.
