Q Brothers “Christmas Carol: The Remix” continues its tradition as an exuberant, hip-hopped take on this Dickens classic

I’m not sure how long it takes for something to be called a tradition, but St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s encore presentation of the Q Brothers’ take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is certainly on its way. This year’s “Christmas Carol: The Remix” transcends the usual holiday staples like “The Nutcracker” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” with an experience that refreshingly redefines tradition with a terrifically talented cast and creative team.

The sheer amount of holiday entertainment – what I call the Christmas Industrial Complex – means that there’s plenty of opportunity for interpretation of the season’s song and stories. Thinking of “A Christmas Carol” in general and the character Scrooge in particular, we can go old-school, like Alistair Sim in the 1951 film version and George C. Scott’s 1984 film version, or animated such as “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” with Scrooge McDuck, the very Muppet makeover, or FX’s gritty, bleak interpretation starring Guy Pearce as Ebenezer Scrooge and as Jacob Marley.

The “Remix” is a welcome addition to the have-Scrooge-your-way options with the added benefit of being a live show with an onstage DJ – the poppy, personable Mel Bady as DJ Stank. The DJ is a constant presence, blending beats and adding a live energy that makes the show feel spontaneous and electric.

Just as a DJ transforms familiar beats with scratches and spins, the ghosts in this tale remix Scrooge’s journey, turning his cold-hearted ways into a soulful anthem of generosity and joy. This 80-minute reimagining blends humor, heart, and energy while fusing rock, hip hop, reggae, and sharp wordplay to deliver a raucous, socially conscious and vibrant take on Dickens’ classic. That describes the experience of last year’s production and continues with the “Remix” version that has a few minor differences with its predecessor.

The talented ensemble, directed and choreographed by Steph Paul, delivers standout performances that highlight the cast’s remarkable versatility. Ryan Armstrong brings depth and humor to Scrooge, while Victor Musoni adroitly juggles roles as Marley, Lil’ Tim, and others with seamless charisma. Maya Vinice Prentiss shines as Bob Cratchit and the Ghost of Hip-Hop Past, and Mo Shipley rounds out the cast with his hilarious portrayals of Fred, Oliver, and others.

Together, they create a whirlwind of dynamic characters, punctuated by sharp costume changes that add another layer of humor to the production. As inventive, insightful and just-plain-fun as the book by the Q Brothers Collective is, the cast defines its success. Their larger-than-life portrayals elevate the humor while maintaining the story’s poignant heart – not an easy thing to accomplish – and it’s a delight to watch them do it. The performers’ rapid-fire delivery, intricate lyrics, and tight choreography demand full attention—and it’s worth the effort.

Last year’s production at the National Blues Museum made the most of the limited (and not ideal) stage and space, and this year’s at the .ZACK Theatre is an improvement in all ways. The production’s set and staging (now with higher sight lines) are just as inventive as its storytelling. William Attaway’s original scenic design still provides a sparkly, switched-on urban landscape, with DJ Stank perched to the side of the action.

Jesse Klug’s lighting design heightens the show’s frenetic energy with dramatic flashes and vibrant hues. Paul’s choreography keeps the pace snappy, infusing every scene with movement that complements the music’s rhythm. Adding to the show’s success is Stephen Ptacek’s sound design, which is clear as a winter bell – important because of the fast pace of the lyrics and dialogue. You don’t want to miss a single beat or a syllable.

What sets the Q Brothers “Christmas Carol” apart – and one of the main reasons I like it – is its ability to balance comedy with a meaningful, modernized message. Beneath the clever rhymes and playful riffs lies a sharp critique of social inequities. The show uses humor to explore themes of greed, redemption, and community, making Dickens’ timeless message both fresh and urgent.

While the humor occasionally veers into the naughty side, it never feels out of place in this thoroughly modern retelling. The show’s ability to marry goofiness with gravitas is a testament to the brilliance of its creators and performers. “Christmas Carol: The Remix” is more than just a holiday show—it’s a vibrant reminder of the transformative power of storytelling, music, and community. Here’s to hoping it returns again in 2025 and becomes an established St. Louis holiday tradition.

“Christmas Carol: The Remix” continues through December 22 at The .ZACK Theatre, 3224 Locust Street. Visit the website for more information.