If you’re looking for a fun family outing this month, check out this adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens at Angelo Civic Theatre.
Director Lance Turner says he was very excited for a chance to adapt the story.
“Well, usually, once a year I will watch the Muppets version,” Turner said; a tradition shared by the cast and crew. “Originally the script is written for about 6 people, but we had so many great actors show up that we were able to break up the parts and really expand the world.”
The play features multiple characters spanning different ages; all the way up to our present-day Scrooge, portrayed by Bruce Leibert.
Leibert is a spirited actor, and you can tell he’s into the part from his opening lines, waving his cane about, crusading against the very concept of holiday cheer.
“This is his first time with us,” says Stoddard Owens, who portrays Marley’s Ghost, “And I really hope he stays because he’s great. A lot of that part is just attitude, and he really has it.”
“That’s what so neat about this production,” says Turner, “the play gets to span generations, and lifestyles.”
This adaptation only runs around 40 minutes per act, with a musical prelude. Tickets: $22.
- Friday, December 12 – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 13 – 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 14 – 2 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 19 – 7:30 p.m.
- Sat, Dec. 20 – 7:30 p.m.
- Sun Dec 21 – 2 p.m.
A Wee Bit of History
Did you think you were gonna get out of this article without a bit of history?
“A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas,” or as we know it “A Christmas Carol“, was originally published in 1843, with illustrations by John Leech.
Charles Dickens is one of those rare authors who got to enjoy acclaim during his lifetime, and the story was so popular that it sold out in five days, with 14 reprintings over the next year.
It even sparked a legal battle when Dickens found out someone was copying it illegally.
“A Christmas Carol” hit the shelves and became the first instant classic. Its portrayals of a Christmas holiday in Victorian England just happened to coincide with a massive revival of the holiday. It was during this era that so many of the traditions that are now synonymous with Christmas were made tradition: Christmas trees in the home, widespread gift giving, ornaments, and legends about Father Christmas or Saint Nicholas (if you were Dutch, German, or Austrian for instance).
Give The Gift of Props This Season
“More props please!”
Angelo Civic Theatre runs on volunteers and donations. They also run on sets and props. Lots, and lots of props.
In your travels, if you happen to come across some of these items and are feeling generous, you might be able to set the stage for years to come!
Lumber is always needed for fresh sets; and they heavily recycle the wood they already use.
Vintage clothing is always in demand, especially any distinctive pieces that have character, or might be especially emblematic of a historical period.
Swords! They need swords, and they’ll take anything they can get, even sharp swords, which they have ways of dulling to make safe on stage.
These are just a few items that producers and directors mentioned; but the possibilities are endless. If you’re not sure, give them a ring and see if they want it, at 325-949-4400.
