‘Madam Scrooge’ at The Nocturne Theatre brings a delightful and dark twist to ‘A Christmas Carol’

I was familiar with this theatre-in-the-round venue from many years ago when it was run by a different production company, but this was my first visit to see The Nocturne Theatre’s work there. I was absolutely delighted by my experience from the moment I stepped into the venue.

To begin with, I must express that “A Christmas Carol” is one of my absolute favorite stories ever told. For that reason, I try and see a stage adaptation that is new to me each holiday season. Through the years I have seen many and I’m happy to write that “Madam Scrooge” is among the most memorable I’ve experienced.

Nocturne Theatre founders Melissa Meyer and Justin Meyer have a history in the Halloween haunt industry. Therefore, many of their productions lean into the dark and macabre. Considering “A Christmas Carol” is one of the greatest ghost stories ever told, it’s fitting for The Nocturne Theatre to have its own adaptation.

In “Madam Scrooge,” the classic role of Ebenezer Scrooge becomes Eleanor Scrooge in this gender-bent version of the tale. With the change of the lead role from male to female, it brings new nuance to this version still set in the 1800s.

In the original story of “A Christmas Carol,” Ebenezer Scrooge resents his nephew Fred, as Scrooge’s beloved sister died giving birth to him. This is heightened even further in “Madam Scrooge” as we learn that not only did Eleanor Scrooge lose her sister, but Eleanor is unable to birth children of her own. This is just one example of the changes in this production bringing a new twist to a well-known story.

Composer Chris Thomas showcases a variety of music from scary, to fun and cheerful. Throughout, you may notice Christmas carols interwoven into the new melodies of “Madam Scrooge,” bringing a bit of familiarity to the original score. One of my favorite songs is Scrooge’s powerful number “Life Isn’t Fair,” a song every audience member can relate to from moments in their personal lives.

The staging of this production is also worth noting. Although the performance space isn’t particularly large, various levels and aisleways are thoughtfully used throughout the theatre enveloping the audience in the storytelling.

One staging detail I loved was Scrooge’s tall working desk several steps above stage level. This tall perch allows Eleanor Scrooge to look down on the world, just as she likes it. Characters who approached her working table may have stepped a foot on it, but never got much higher than one stair. This was Eleanor’s domain, and nobody dared approach too closely. Actor Stephanie Hodgdon, portraying Eleanor Scrooge, made it clear who was in charge.

As I mentioned, I was truly delighted by the experience the moment I stepped into the theatre lobby with its seasonal and moody décor. This delight continued even beyond the ending of the tale. After the cast takes their bows, a playful “snowball” fight commences between the cast and audience. And then as audience members exited the building, we were greeted by “snow” falling from the skies of Southern California.

Every moment I experienced at The Nocturne Theatre felt like it was all done with the right intentions in mind. The whole experience felt full of passion, and frankly, there’s no greater feeling. Although this was my first experience at The Nocturne Theatre, it will not be my last. With the all-around fantastic vocals, acting, original music, lighting, staging, sound design, costumes and more, “Madam Scrooge” may become a Christmas tradition for myself.

In addition to “Madame Scrooge,” The Nocturne Theatre has even more holiday offerings available. This includes “Spirits of the Season” with vintage cocktails and holiday jazz in a speakeasy setting. Plus, for the younger folks in your life, there are the “Reindeer Games,” where kids can help Santa Claus round up all the reindeer earning their very own antlers, and more seasonal fun.

If you’re looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve, check out “Midnight Masquerade: New Year’s at the Nocturne.” There you can ring in the New Year with style and sophistication, and dress to the nines for an unforgettable celebration that promises an evening of opulence, excitement, and sheer entertainment. This one-night event features masquerade magic, three rooms of entertainment, a midnight toast, and more.

Learn more and get yourself tickets to “Madam Scrooge” and all other seasonal offerings at TheNocturneTheatre.com. And look forward to their upcoming shows in 2025 including “West Side Story,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Shrek: The Musical,” and “Dracula: The Musical.”

Jeff DePaoli is an event producer and host living in Los Angeles. He graduated from Emerson College where he received a BFA in Theatre. He can be heard as the voice of Disney Trivia on Alexa as well as the host of “Dizney Coast to Coast” podcast, where he and his special guests share honest opinions on all things Disney. DePaoli’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily represent Attractions Magazine.