Ohio University Eastern Theatre presents ‘A Christmas Carol’

The Theatre Department of Ohio University Eastern will present Charles Dickens’ heartwarming classic “A Christmas Carol” Nov. 30, Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 7-9 in the Shannon Hall Theater. Adapted by Barbara Field, this version of the Dickens novella has been a perennial hit at the famed Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Field’s take on the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim is highly theatrical, filled with music and warm holiday spirit.

“A Christmas Carol” was first published on Dec. 19, 1843. The novella met with instant success and critical acclaim. The book was written and published in early Victorian-era Britain, a period when there was strong nostalgia for old Christmas traditions together with the introduction of new customs, such as Christmas trees and greeting cards. Dickens' sources for the tale appear to be many and varied, but are, principally, the humiliating experiences of his childhood, his sympathy for the poor, and various Christmas stories and fairy tales

The Ohio University Eastern Theatre production brings Dickens’ tale to life in a rich and warm staging filled with the magic of Scrooge’s experiences with each of the Christmas spirits. Director Dennis Fox describes the appeal of the play: “In holiday good spirits, I think we sometimes get so caught up in the story of Scrooge’s redemption that we forget that ‘A Christmas Carol’ is also biting social commentary on the plight of the poor—or as Scrooge calls them ‘the surplus population.’ This is the genius of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ It displays for us the very worst and the very best of humanity, in a story that suggests the possibility of change and hope, for all of us.”

The Eastern Campus Theatre cast and crew have been working tirelessly since September. Technical Director Beth Casebolt has coordinated the moving scenery and the many scene changes, a special challenge given the relatively small Shannon Hall stage. Music Director Maryann Droll has coached and rehearsed the 25-member cast on the carols sung within the production. A total of nearly 50 people are working on the holiday presentation.

The Ohio University Eastern Theatre cast includes: Mikhail L. Bady of St. Clairsville, a first-year student at Ohio University Eastern; Chelsey A. Barnes of Barnesville; Renno M. Barnes of Barnesville; Howard L. Blecher of Flushing; Norah Blecher of Flushing; Gilby Carpenter of Flushing; Remmi Carpenter of Flushing; Derek DeMattio of Richmona; Briele Fiona Dobson of Wheeling; Maryann Droll of Belmont; Joel Garcia of Quaker City, a first-year student at Ohio University Eastern; Carly Greiner of Barnesville, a sophomore at Ohio University Eastern; Cody A. Kramer of Martins Ferry; Michael Cory Lane of Quaker City, a first-year student at Ohio University Eastern; Rebecca Lewton of Martins Ferry, a junior at Ohio University Eastern; Dencil L. Legg of Belmont, a sophomore at Ohio University Eastern; Peter J. Lim of St. Clairsville; Risha Marple of Wheeling, a junior at Ohio University Eastern; Mitchell A. Moore of Bethesda, a senior at Ohio University Eastern; Jana Lu Schodzinski of Wheeling; Ian Sincavich of Valley Grove; Charlie Smith of St. Clairsville; Matthew Smith of Flushing, a junior at Ohio University Eastern; Jett A. Thomas of Wheeling; and Connie J. Wendell of Glen Dale.

Thursday evening performances begin at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. The Sunday matinee beings at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $7, and student and senior discount tickets are $5. All reserved seats are $5. Reservations are strongly encouraged. For more information and to make reservations, contact Fox at ouetheater@ohio.edu or at (740) 699-2340 or make reservations online at http://tinyurl.com/ouetheater .