Community Theatre Review: A standing ovation for The Community Players’ A Christmas Carol

The Community Players of New Hamburg had audience members laughing and crying during the recent performance of A Christmas Carol. Amanda Modaragamage photo

By Amanda Modaragamage

The Community Players of New Hamburg delivered a flawless performance of A Christmas Carol last week, earning a standing ovation from the audience.

Artistic director Brook Gamble, director Ryan Dunham and assistant director Rachel Conway led a cast of stellar performers who brought new life to the holiday classic. Based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella and adapted by John Mortimer, the production struck a perfect balance between the timeless story and the modern world.

“This production is the result of so many generous hearts — onstage, backstage and in our wider community,” wrote Gamble. “I am deeply grateful to our incredible cast and crew, whose talent and dedication brought this world to life.”

Mark Starratt, who played Scrooge, shone on stage, drawing laughter and empathy as the audience followed his transformation throughout the performance.

Young actors also impressed. Jack Giusti-Ouimet (young Scrooge), Noah Kropf (Peter Cratchit) and Adaline Woodworth (child Scrooge and young Cratchit) each delivered standout performances. Elanor Woodworth, who played Tiny Tim, moved the audience to tears with her heartfelt portrayal.

“While building this show over the past two months, we’ve had the opportunity to explore the meaning of Christmas, family and community,” wrote Dunham. “Sometimes it takes the story of a man who hates Christmas to remind us what it’s really about and to focus our attention on the things that truly matter.”

A Christmas Carol is one of the most frequently performed plays worldwide during the holiday season, staged by both professional theatres and community groups. Each year, hundreds of volunteers of all ages work side by side to produce musicals and plays with The Community Players of New Hamburg, and this year was no different.

“In a world where division and distraction often take centre stage, its themes feel more vital than ever,” wrote Aaron Blazer, president. “May we all be reminded, like Scrooge, that it’s never too late to open our hearts to love, kindness, compassion, joy and hope.”

For more than four decades, The Community Players of New Hamburg have brought people together to create live, high-quality, family-friendly theatre.

Keep an eye on their website for upcoming shows and information, including their 2026 spring performance of Into the Woods: www.thecommunityplayers.com.