Vit Horegs and antique Czech Devil Marionette playing Ghost of Christmas Present. 

                          By Joel Benjamin

The Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre’s intimate—maybe too intimate—A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa was a refreshing theatrical oasis in the holiday desert of over-ripe TV films, large Broadway musicals and the Radio City Christmas Show.  It tells Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in a fairly straightforward way, but with just enough arch commentary to keep it from sinking into cloying mush.

Scrooge (L) and Markey's Ghost, in chains (R). Photos by Line Krogh.

Puppeteer and narrator Vít Horejš stood giant like over a tiny marionette stage manipulating his beautiful handmade puppets, changing scenery and reciting a seemingly improvised version of the dialogue, interjecting wisecracks and oddball contemporary references while Judith Barnes and Hayden Dewitt, as a boyish waif and a Victorian lady, sang period songs, tossed in a bit of the “Dreidel Song” and an appropriate tidbit for Kwanzaa touching all holiday bases.

Two Jewish women, Scrooge's tenants, light the menorah as they are facing eviction on Hannukah. Photo by Tatiana Ronderos

Also, some of Mr. Horejš’s comments and hesitating manner interrupted the rhythm of the story.   However, his expert handling of the many marionettes and their interactions were brilliant to watch, easygoing and clearly the product of decades of experience.  His two female colleagues were in on all the jokes, sang with panache and together made the perfect theatrical support team.

The wonderfully messy period sets and costumes by Michelle Beshaw and the mood-enhancing lighting by Federico Restrepo gave just he right professional finish to Mr. Horejš’s efforts.

The marionettes were made by Miloš Kasal and unknown folk artists and were a show in themselves.

Let’s hope this show returns year after year.  Meanwhile check out any future events at the Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre’s website (www.czechmarionettes.org)

A Christmas Carol, Oy! Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa – December 5-14, 2014
The Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theatre
The Club at LaMaMa E.T.C.
74A East 4^th St., between the Bowery & 2^nd Ave.
New York, NY
Tickets:  646-430-5374 or www.lamama.org
More Information:  www.czechmarionettes.org