McCarter’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol” will be performed through Sunday, December 29. One of the highlights of every production is 14 children who fill the stage in a variety of roles. “Every year we look forward to the energy and spirit of the children who light up the stage in our holiday production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” says Adam Immerwahr, associate artistic director at McCarter.
This year Adikesh Nathan of West Windsor plays the role of Tiny Tim. A student at Country Day Montessori in Plainsboro, he gets to offer the last line of every production — “God bless us, every one.” The actor portraying Tiny Tim needs to know how to wait for the time to present the line. He should also be small and light as he gets carried by Bob Cratchit and Ebenezer Scrooge.
“A Christmas Carol,” written in 1843 by Charles Dickens, mentions Bob Cratchit’s son, Timothy, usually referred to as Tiny Tim. The young boy walks with a crutch and wears a leg brace. Modern doctors have tried to put a name to his illness that the reader assumes is treated after his father gets a raise in pay. Potential diagnoses include rickets, renal tubular acidosis, scurvy, and tuberculosis. Whatever the cause, the end result is a timeless tale of redemption, hope, and love.
A Christmas Carol, McCarter Theater, 91 University Place. $20 to $60. 609-258-2787. www.mccarter.org.
