“After he’s transformed, Scrooge realizes Christmas Day should be every day,” said director/choreographer Chris Beiser. “It’s a great lesson for us all. We really need to start feeling joy and love all the time and not just within the 24 hours of Christmas Day. Scrooge’s nephew Frederick says he holds Christmas in his heart every day. The Cratchit family has a sick child but they still feel joy and believe everything is going to be okay.”
“Scrooge reminds us of our human tendency to be inward-focused,” echoed ensemble member David Thomas, whose La Comedia credits include “The Little Mermaid,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” “So many things pull our attention away from the human need around us. Scrooge’s journey is a journey toward selflessness and compassion for those who are hurting around us.”
The cast includes Chris Kramer as Scrooge, David Goins as Bob Cratchit, Shannon Haddock as Mrs. Cratchit, Sam Kingrey and Johnathon Schmidt as Tiny Tim, Karie-Lee Sutherland as Ghost of Christmas Past, Todd Tucker as Ghost of Christmas Present, Joseph Spitale as Frederick and Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, Mark Reuter as Jacob Marley, and Marilyn Clark Farley as Mrs. Fezziwig.
The original score by Cronin and Angelyn Fullarton Benson includes “It’s Christmas Time,” “Home for Christmas/Christmas Dreams,” “Another Time, Another Place,” and “Christmas Joy.” The score is accented with traditional holiday favorites such as “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls” and “O Holy Night.” The artistic team includes costumer A.T. Jones, scenic designer Mike Stockstill, lighting designer Geoffrey D. Fishburn, and musical director Becky Barrett-Jones.
“It’s never too late to spread goodwill,” Beiser added. “Scrooge ultimately realizes the spirit of Christmas was in his past, present and future. It had always been there but he just didn’t see it. This material has certainly endured for many years.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "A Christmas Carol"
Where: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, Rt. 73, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro
When: Through Dec. 31; Evening performances (arrival time 5:30-6:00 p.m.) and matinees (arrival time 10:30-11:00 a.m.)
Cost: Adult tickets are $59-$75; Children 11 and under are $30. Prices based on section/tiered seating.
Tickets/more info: Call (937) 746-4554 or 1-800-677-9505 or visit www.lacomedia.com
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