The Charles Dickens novel comes to life on stage as Stained Glass Theatre presents "A Christmas Carol."
The Cratchit family is preparing for a hearty Christmas in spite of their poverty and are dismayed to learn that their father will have to work on Christmas Day, as his employer, Mr. Scrooge, is mean and miserly. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge dismisses Cratchit with ill humor and locks up for the night. That evening, his dead partner's ghost shows him the error of his ways. When Christmas Day dawns, Scrooge is a changed man with new joy and goes about making amends for his grouchy ways.
A Christmas Carol
[]According to director Roger Martin, this play was chosen because it was close to the original Dickens novel.
It is a large undertaking for the theater with 52 people, adults and children, in the cast ranging in ages from 3 to 70.
Martin said directing is a matter of organizing and with this large cast this became very important. He said to help with logistics he rehearsed parts of the show at a time. They cast did not come together as a whole until the this week.
The three main roles are played by JoDonn Chaney as Scrooge; Alex Harvey as Tiny Tim and Rob Hargis as Bob Cratchit.
The technical director responsible for lights, sound and special effects is DeAnn Tambke.
The set is composed of a central platform for Scrooge's bedroom, where the ghosts appear before him. On the left side of the stage is an area representing the rich part of town and on the right side an area, which is the poor section of town.
Martin and Mike Harvey designed and built the set. Martin said the audience can have fun imagining much of the set.
To help speed up the set changes, an ensemble of cast members sing during the transitions. This makes the play flow smoother.
Musical directors are Carol Rosslan and Bernie Houchens.
Allison Johnson, Denise Thoenen, Martin and the cast are sewing the period costumes.
"I see this play as Scrooge looking at life through a window and the spirits of Christmas help him search his life and to know where the path he has chosen is leading him. He breaks through the window and embraces the true meaning of Christmas and a life filled with hope," Martin said.
A Christmas Carol
What: "A Christmas Carol," presented by Stained Glass Theatre
Where: 830 E. High St. in Jefferson City
When: Dec. 4-20, 7:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays; 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. Special Saturday evening show 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13.
Tickets: 573-634-5313.