Debbie Croft: ‘A Christmas Carol’ that’s set in Columbia

Across the pond and a whole continent away, Ebenezer Scrooge owns an assay office in Columbia during America’s famous Gold Rush.

Not in Charles Dickens’ original tale, of course, but in the adaptation by Sierra Repertory Theatre’s co-founder, Doug Brennan.

“A Columbia Christmas Carol” is the current production by the nonprofit theater group.

Scrooge-like individuals have existed at some time in every corner of the globe. So, it makes sense that the original tale of “A Christmas Carol” could be tweaked a bit and plopped into a different setting.

Brennan retained all the well-known characters – plus added a couple of locals to the story. Banjo tunes replace Victorian-era waltzes. English tea becomes supper in a saloon. And a masked gunfighter appears as the ghost of Christmas to come, with other Gold Country embellishments throughout.

While the heartfelt message remains true: Whether in damp London or California’s Mother Lode, generosity and compassion make more friends than miserly contempt.

“Allow me to share a story my dad used to tell every year,” Jim Fallon says in his introduction.

Brennan and SRT producing director Dennis Jones came up with the idea of rewriting the story based on the region’s history.

During the mid-1800s Fallon inherited the hotel in downtown Columbia, which has since been preserved as a historic state park. After fires and numerous renovations, the two-story brick structure is now the Fallon House Theatre.

When Jim and Owen Fallon were actual residents 150 years ago, bricks were indeed valued as gold.

Columbia’s Scrooge bought up a load of bricks after a nearby building was demolished, and then he sold the bricks to a neighboring town. Not exactly the type of business transaction for endearing himself to the neighbors.

As snowflakes drop gently outside, no fire warms the interior of Scrooge’s office. And his sole employee shivers at his desk while keeping the books. Even though working conditions are harsh, Bob Cratchit is loyal. After an unsuccessful stint in mining, and placing his family in jeopardy, he was given a job by Scrooge.

Occasionally he summons enough courage to ask for a log to start a fire.

“Gold is down, food is up, and my worker wants to sit in tropical comfort,” Scrooge remarks to a visitor.

In the lead role, Don Bilotti gives an excellent performance. I found him just as convincing as any other film or stage actor in past productions of the classic tale.

Bilotti teaches theater at Columbia College, and spent over 10 years as artistic director for Sonora’s Stage 3 Theatre Company. This is his second role with SRT in a long theatrical career.

Every member of the cast and the artistic and production staff, as well as artistic director Scot Viets, deserve praise for bringing this well-loved story to life – in our neck of the woods.

Eddie Vilciauskas of Merced expected to see a so-so performance by amateur actors on the rustic stage. But when he and a friend attended last weekend, he was impressed by the level of talent, from beautiful set construction to professional acting. And he was surprised at how much he enjoyed the show.

Others in the audience commented on the elaborate scenery and the incredible job done by all with SRT.

Christmas is less than a month away. State park rangers finished draping boughs of fresh pine garland on the front of buildings. And downtown merchants have decorated their windows and filled their shelves for the holidays.

“A Columbia Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 20 at Fallon House Theatre. Go to www.sierrarep.org or call 209-532-3120 for details.

“Remember me and all you’ve seen tonight,” the ghost of Christmas present advises Scrooge.

Following the terrifying night, seeing his name etched on a gravestone, and learning of a little boy’s death that could have been prevented, the lonely old man wakes to birdsong. Realizing he hasn’t missed Christmas after all, hope spurs him to action.

“I cannot change the past, but I can change the present and embrace the future,” Scrooge declares.

And God bless us, everyone!

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 8:23 PM with the headline "Debbie Croft: ‘A Christmas Carol’ that’s set in Columbia."