On Saturday, December 12, families flocked to Duke Energy Center for the matinee performance of Ira David Wood III’s A Christmas Carol. Originally written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843, the novel has long since been adapted into multiple theatrical performances and films. Ira David Wood III’s adaptation is celebrating its 41^st anniversary this year and since its start in 1974, the charm is still there. Every year new concepts, ideas and references are brought to the table to give the show a fresh, modern twist.

There are many references to current events in the show, such as Adele’s new song, “Hello” appearing to come out of Scrooge’s bugle or the portrait of Donald Trump that is seen above Scrooge’s bed. The Ghost of Christmas Future even appears as Trump in the play.

This year also marked a milestone for Wood III’s son, Ira David Wood IV, because they are now making the transition of passing Scrooge’s role down from father to son. Wood IV has been doing matinee performances this year while his father does the evening shows.

Although the show is lighthearted and meant to have that warm, holiday feel, at the end of the performance the entire cast came out to sing a song as an indication of all the negative things that have been happening in the world recently. Wood IV disclosed that the cast sang this song when John Lennon was assassinated, as well as in 2001 when 9/11 occurred. By the time the song transitioned into “God Bless America,” everyone was singing along and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Overall, I found Wood III’s adaptation of  A Christmas Carol to be both heartwarming and tear-jerking. It is truly a work of art that will continue to be fun for the whole family for years to come.