Synopses & Reviews
The enchanting NPR holiday favorite is finally on CD.
"Old Marley was as dead as a doornail"—and so, nearly, was Christmas itself when Charles Dickens published "A Christmas Carol" in 1843. Most traditions had been forgotten, and few if any employees got time off to celebrate. Dickens' story captured the imagination of a generation and transformed December 25 into a major holiday.
For many National Public Radio listeners, it just wouldn't be Christmas without hearing Jonathan Winters perform "A Christmas Carol." The master comedian brilliantly re-creates Dickens' cast of colorful characters: Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley's spirit, and the three Christmas ghosts, Past, Present, and Future. His distinctive and charming reading uses a special version of the story prepared by Dickens for his own performances. The liner notes are by Winters, who clearly revels in the story's language and message: "Merry Christmas, every one!"
Review
Any fan of Charles Dickens'
A Christmas Carol will want to get the Jonathan Winters CD interpretation of this Christmas classic. It doesn't and never will get better than this.
The Serious Comedy Site
Review
. . . nothing can beat this Jonathan Winters performance.
The Reviews Page
Review
Comedy legend Winters, who serves as narrator while also performing all of the male roles, juggles his duties seamlessly and demonstrates remarkable dramatic range. His portrayal of Scrooge before the ghostly visitations evokes discernable pain and loss beyond the over-the-top antics of an ogre figure. Veteran actress Mimi Kennedy voices the female parts with gusto. With its quality production, attractive price and one-hour length, this release offers the perfect gift and establishes a festive new annual ritual for families to share. [starred review]
Publishers Weekly
Synopsis
The enchanting NPR holiday favorite is finally on CD. "Old Marley was as dead as a doornail"--and so, nearly, was Christmas itself when Charles Dickens published "A Christmas Carol" in 1843. Most traditions had been forgotten, and few if any employees got time off to celebrate. Dickens' story captured the imagination of a generation and transformed December 25 into a major holiday. For many National Public Radio listeners, it just wouldn't be Christmas without hearing Jonathan Winters perform "A Christmas Carol." The master comedian brilliantly re-creates Dickens' cast of colorful characters: Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley's spirit, and the three Christmas ghosts, Past, Present, and Future. His distinctive and charming reading uses a special version of the story prepared by Dickens for his own performances. The liner notes are by Winters, who clearly revels in the story's language and message: "Merry Christmas, every one "
Synopsis
"Marley was dead to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. Old Marley was as dead as a doornail."
So begins A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Some say this short story, first published in 1843, transformed Christmas into a major holiday. Before A Christmas Carol, there was surprisingly little celebration during the Christmas season. After its publication, the holiday became a high point of the year.
Master comedian Jonathan Winters channels all of Dickens's unforgettable characters in a tour de force performance of this holiday classic. Using a special edition prepared by Dickens for his own presentations, he re-creates Ebenezer Scrooge, Bog Cratchit, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley's spirit and the three Christmas ghosts, Past, Present, and Future. Mimi Kennedy also performs.
About the Author
Actor and director MIMI KENNEDY is known to many as Dharma's mother in the television series Dharma and Greg. She also appeared in the Broadway and road companies of the show Hair. Mimi Kennedy got her start in theater with the Rochester Community Players, appearing in Agatha Christie's Spider Web when she was 12 years old.Nationally renowned broadcast journalist SUSAN STAMBERG is special correspondent for NPR. Stamberg is the first woman to anchor a national nightly news program, and has won every major award in broadcasting. She has been inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame.Performer JONATHAN WINTERS began his career as a standup-comic and radio personality before moving to television and films. The late talk show icon Jack Paar dubbed him "Pound for pound... the funniest man on earth." The comedian was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 1999. He has multiple Grammy® nominations and one win.