Dec. 6, 2006 – Island Center for the Performing Arts presents From Page to Stage's holiday production "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens. The adaptation, written by Christopher Schario, will be shown at 8 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, at Island Center's Main Stage.
"The cast is small, as almost everyone except for Dean Roberts, who plays Scrooge, plays a variety of characters. It allows us to do a version that is faithful to the novel, but also adds some fun elements that take advantage of the small cast and highlight the nature of live theater.
"Schario's version of 'A Christmas Carol' puts all of the things that theatrical producers generally try to hide from the audience right on stage. For instance, all of the sound effects but one happen onstage and are created by the actors themselves, either with their voices or with various implements, such as bells, chains, and a thunder tube. In fact, while the play was written to have a fiddler underscore many of the scenes with instrumental Christmas music, we decided to use four of the actors to provide the music. Lionel Downer, Kioshirah Pedrini, Jim Reese, and Cherith Wagner all have beautiful voices and sing throughout the play. It adds a very festive feel and allows us to include over a dozen carols that we all know and love. It doesn't change the story any, but it makes us all feel very warm and 'Christmas-y' by the end of the play," said the director, Jeanne Johnston.
Marty Merrick is the musical director for the show; Brianna Christian, a student at St. Mary's Catholic School, is the youngest member of the cast and plays several roles, including that of Tiny Tim. Tony Wagner rounds out the cast, playing the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. "A Christmas Carol" is good entertainment for school age children as well as adults. The evening lasts approximately ninety minutes.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Island Center, Pier 69, and the Buccaneer Golf Shop. For further information, call 778-5271 or 773-6754. For group discounts, call Jeanne Johnston at 712-2144.
