Project Description
Three amazing actors, two very long scarves, and one glowing candle join forces with the original words as written by Charles Dickens to bring this holiday classic to vibrant new life. You’ll experience “A Christmas Carol” like you never have before in this unique, world premiere adaptation where over 98% of the text is exactly as written by Mr. Dickens. Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, Marley’s Ghost, Scrooge and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future all make their appearance as the three actors guide us through the story – sometimes as narrators, sometimes as storytellers, and sometimes as characters, but always using the actual words of Charles Dickens.
“I wanted to get back to ‘A Christmas Carol’s’ storytelling roots,” says GTC Artistic Director Kevin Cochran who adapted the tale. “To give people a sense of what it must have been like to hear Charles Dickens present the story to an audience as he did many times; yet, also keep the excitement of Scrooge’s interactions with Marley’s Ghost and the Christmas Spirits.”
presented by
Grove Theater Center
Kevin Cochran, Artistic Director
Charles Johanson, Executive Director
First presented in December of 2011
A Christmas Carol
based on the story by Charles Dickens
adapted & directed by Kevin Cochran
Set & Costumes — Leonard Ogden
Lights — David Darwin
Sound — Hunter Stephenson
Cast
Man — Frank Simons*
Woman — Kate Danley*
Scrooge — David Allen Jones*
*member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, the union of professional stage directors in the United States.
Because the show is presented as a very limited engagement each year, we have not had it reviewed. But below are a few unsolicited comments from people who bought tickets through various ticketing sites (“A Christmas Carol” was the first show any of them had ever seen at GTC)
“Absolutely marvelous – small theater at its finest – This was a three person rendition brilliantly executed with outstanding acting, staging, and optimal use of sets and costumes. I see a lot of theater and if you only see one holiday show this year, this is definitely the one to see. The venue is also quite nice and easily accessible. The theater is located in the park – but the building is clearly visible from the street with plenty of street parking. Will definitely be back – Thanks for a terrific evening out!” -RC
“The performance was fabulous! Our family of 6, ranging in ages from 21 to 85 went together, and everyone loved it. The cast was excellent, mezmerizing the audience the entire time. If you want to experience a memorable evening and a favorite story, attend this play. It will be a Holiday gift you will enjoy.” -nik
“The three actors did an outstanding performance of a Christmas Carol. The play stayed true to the Charles Dickens story and was a healthy reminder of the meaning of “rich”. Ours s a sprawling city where small theater shows often are missed. This show deserves to be seen.” -ch
“VERY GOOD. A well produced AND acted play……….. good to get the holidays going!” -Richard V
“Excellent adaptation. very faithful to Dickens’ text. Three actors, all excellent. Great set, lighting, sound, acting. Very nice theater as well.” -Cecily P