Bah! Humbug! Large local cast to present 'A Christmas Carol'

Some of the cast and crew from Monroe Community Payers' upcoming production of "A Christmas Carol" are shown.
Some of the cast and crew from Monroe Community Payers' upcoming production of "A Christmas Carol" are shown.

Monroe Community Players is staging its first full production of “A Christmas Carol” in more than a decade.

A large cast will present Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 at the Players’ space at the Mall of Monroe, 2121 N. Monroe St. The theater can accommodate 80 to 100. Attendees should enter the mall through the door by the old Carson Home Store.

Tickets are $15 each. For tickets, visit www.monroecommunityplayers.org/.

“A Christmas Carol” is the story of cold-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, who softens after visits from three ghosts. Although the Players has offered a reader’s theater-style version of “A Christmas Carol” in recent years, this is the first full stage production since 2011, producer Nancy Williams said.

This year’s script is based on an adaption by local playwright David P. Wahr, who also is a member of the Players.

“What I like about Dave Wahr's adaptation is that it's easier to understand than what Dickens wrote in 1843,” Valinda Jonas, show director, said. “This adaptation has never been done before, because I took two different adaptations and weaved them together for something unique. I want audience members to experience a totally immersive theater experience, including special lighting effects, sound effects, period sets and costumes and music. We want the audience to take away the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a sad child, a ‘driven by money’ young man and a cynical senior who is warned by his business partner and three ghosts that it's never too late to change. It’s all set against a Christmas background.”

Costumes for past shows, some as far back as 1948, will be worn. Others costume pieces were newly designed.

“We are keeping this show traditional, using costumes we had in stock and many that I have made or altered,” Jonas said. “We wore some last year when we did the reader’s theater version, but we've also added carolers, so we needed period outer wear as well.”

Scenes from rehearsal for "A Christmas Carol."
Scenes from rehearsal for "A Christmas Carol."

With a cast of 23, plus a crew, this year’s production is larger than previous years.

Among the castmates are narrators Debbie Day and Kevin Gross. Robert Yoman plays Ebenezer Scrooge, and Jim Abb is Bob Cratchit. Marley is played by Mark Thornton. The ghosts are portrayed by Kathleen McBee, Kevin Gross and Shawn McMahon.

“Norb Nowak played Scrooge last year (in reader’s theater) and returns as Jacob Marley,” Jonas said. “He’s a very versatile actor. Mary Barnas returns to play multiple parts. Robert Yoman will portray Ebenezer Scrooge for this show. It’s his fourth time playing Scrooge. I'd say the majority of the cast is new to Players. This cast and crew have been great. It takes a special volunteer to give up part of their Christmas season in order to rehearse a play at this time of year, to brighten other people's Christmases.”

“We have added singers, crowd scenes and children with smiling faces (this year). It’s a high-energy cast,” Williams added.

Scenes from rehearsal for "A Christmas Carol."
Scenes from rehearsal for "A Christmas Carol."

Christmas music will be part of the show.

“I've also added music for a more Christmas feel,” Jonas said. “Catherine Brodie has volunteered her extreme talent as both a vocal director and a singer for this show.”

Concessions will be sold. Attendee also can purchase raffle tickets.

“We have a beautiful, handmade Hamilton afghan to raffle made specifically by Cindy Alexander of Monroe to benefit Monroe Community Players,” Jonas said.“A Christmas Carol” is sponsored by Friendly Ford and Old National Bank.

Scenes from rehearsal for "A Christmas Carol."
Scenes from rehearsal for "A Christmas Carol."

The Players’ last show was the reader’s theater offering “Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits.”

“(The show) went very well,” Wahr said. “We had a good turnout and the audience was very engaged and enthusiastic. We anticipate doing more Shakespeare in the future.”

A soon-to-be-announced show is planned for January.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe Community Players to present 'A Christmas Carol'