Holiday classic deserves superlatives

The first time I saw David H. Bell’s adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” I had just assumed the job of theater critic for this paper. I got excited. I gushed. I declared it a masterpiece.

That was seven years ago.

Since then, I’ve gotten a little more miserly with the superlatives. But I’ll declare if director Rosemary Newcott’s smartly finessed version of the Alliance Theatre holiday staple ain’t got me punch-puddin’ drunk with fresh admiration and adjectives.

From Bernardine Mitchell’s haunting solo at the top of the show to Tiny Tim’s adorable blessing at the end, this spectacular telling of the Dickens classic remains an emotionally satisfying feast for heart and soul.

A ghost story told on a sprawling groaning board of Victorian clutter, the production plops some of the city’s best hams (Bart Hansard and Glenn Rainey) on the same platter with its finest classical actors (Courtney Patterson, Daniel May and Chris Kayser as Scrooge) —- then garnishes it all with good-looking lads, pretty ladies with celestial voices and a passel of cute kids.

Minka Wiltz, Derek Manson, Jahi Kearse —- these are actors we’d like to see more of in the New Year. Meanwhile, it’s plum delightful to witness another Tiny Tim emerge from the acting family of Sheri Mann Stewart and Barry Stewart Mann: This year, it’s curly-locked Royce replacing big brother Tendal as the wee Cratchit weakling, while Tendal moves up to the role of Richard. Nice job, boys.

Spiced oranges, pudding and brandy. A bowl of wassail and a turkey the size of a small child. As witnessed by this magnificent Alliance production, the Dickens classic is a testament to a stone-cold heart that cracks open with love and abundance. Year after year, this show comes round again to bless us all, every one.

A masterpiece? In my opinion, it comes close.

THEATER REVIEW

“A Christmas Carol”

Grade: A

Through Dec. 24. $15-$60. Alliance Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000, alliancetheatre.org