By Sarah McCully, Albert Einstein High School

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  When Christmas rolls around, people deck the halls, dress up like Eskimos, and dream by the fire. But don't mention Christmas to Mrs. Bob Crachit and expect a cheery response.  

Playwright Christopher Durang parodies Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" and the holiday itself to form "Mrs. Bob Crachit's Wild Christmas Binge", performed admirably by students at Thomas S. Wootton High School. Their production combines the humor and the truth of the Christmas spirit to show the audience just how wrong their conceptions of famous stories and holidays can be.

The actors in "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge" used energetic dedication to their characters to deliver the parody's humor. Devin Goodman, playing the literary world's grouch Ebenezer Scrooge, controlled the stage from the moment he stepped onto it. His physical mannerisms and his hilariously uptight British accent helped him sculpt a comic character that was delightful to watch.  

The two female leads also helped carry the show. Divya Mouli brought keen comic timing and charisma to her role as the perpetually flustered Ghost, and Lauren Fagan, as the infamous Mrs. Bob Crachit, epitomized the unhappy housewife and brought out the situation's absurdity as she drowned her sorrows in alcohol and the Thames. 

Rounding out the cast's standouts were Gavin Kramar as Mr. Bob Crachit, who adeptly juxtaposed Fagan with a personality of utter sweetness and paternal love, and Mitchell Myers as Jacob Marley, who took a seemingly small role and turned it into a success with his wild energy and stage presence.

The ensemble sometimes lacked fervor during some of the songs, but stood out during bar scenes when they swayed, roared, and captivated the attention of the audience.

The set consisted of a black backdrop, decorated with swirling gold patterns and a regal scarlet curtain. Several layers of steps completed the look, creating a simple yet affective setting where imagination and not flashy visuals took center stage. Behind this scenery bright red and green stripes of light glowed, adding a cheery feel to the otherwise dark set. The lighting throughout the show was soft and appropriate. While there were occasional miscues, the lighting technicians remedied them quickly, and the play's flow was uninterrupted.

The show's sound crew, headed by Kerry Engoron, was also skillful. All actors could be heard clearly and smoothly. During songs, they were adept at adjusting volumes so that all voices blended together flawlessly.

But perhaps the most enjoyable stage element was the lone piano player in the corner of the stage, jauntily playing Christmas carols during set changes and songs. This music was a spirited touch that helped connect the uncommon humor of the show to the traditional happiness surrounding the winter holidays.

In the end, Wootton's production of "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge" proved hilarious and warming. The actors and technicians created a show that both captured the humor of the original script and utilized the vastly different talents of everyone involved to give the audience a night of entertainment, and, for once, an early Christmas without the tacky decorations.

Wootton Center for the Arts presents "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge," a comedic twist on the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol" at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Thomas S. Wootton High School, 2100 Wootton Parkway. Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for students. For tickets visit the Wootton Online Store or call 301-279-8581.