Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Group To Present "A Christmas Carol"

"A Christmas Carol" opens December 2 on Arkansas Repertory Theatre's Main Stage and will run through January 2.

No other writer better captures the spirit of Christmas than Charles Dickens. And with the exception of the Bible, no other book or story has been more adored, adapted or stitched into the fabric of the human experience than A Christmas Carol.

One can see evidence today of the work's influence in the classic film, It's a Wonderful Life, and in Dr. Seuss' children's tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Some scholars even claim that with A Christmas Carol, Dickens single-handedly invented the Christmas holiday as we celebrate it today.

One can only imagine our author's reaction to how his tale has survived the rigors of time and culture. To be sure Charles Dickens would be amazed if he found himself at The Rep to see his holiday story brought to life in such grand fashion. As directed by Brad Mooy (The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan), the Rep's Christmas Carol jumps off the page into vivid, richly textured three-dimensional life. Mike Nichols' set and Robert Pittenridge's costumes create Dickens' fog-drenched Victorian world in lavish detail and the Rep's special effects wizards have worked their magic to create a visual feast for the senses.

Audiences young and old will delight as Dickens' spirits convey Scrooge from place to place, past to present and from despair to redemption on The Rep stage.

The Rep is producing A Christmas Carol on its Main Stage for the first time in over 15 years. It was last staged in 1984 at The Rep's former home on East 11th Street in Little Rock and directed by Cathy Sawyer. This year, Mooy will be directing from an adaptation by Elizabeth Huddle of Portland Center Stage in Portland, Ore.

For some in the cast of 23 actors, this will mark a return visit to The Rep. Don Bolinger, who was last seen in Smoke on the Mountain, will be playing the part of Mr. Cratchit. Jim Hillgartner, who will play dual roles as narrator and Mr. Fezziwig, will be remembered for his outstanding performance last year as The Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Adam Napper, who played Dill in To Kill A Mockingbird and appeared in Peter Pan, will play the part of Peter Cratchit in A Christmas Carol. Also returning, will be Paula Isbell (Dracula, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas) and members of The Rep's Young Company: LaKeetra Gilbert. Jason Plumb and James Thweatt.

Playing the part of Scrooge, will be veteran New York actor Martin Epstein. Though his first time to play The Rep, this is not his first time to play this role. In the past, Epstein has played the part in Kenny Rogers Christmas from the Heart in New York, as well as in numerous regional theatre productions of A Christmas Carol.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, there will be Christmas caroling in The Rep's main lobby prior to the performances on Friday evenings. Children from area schools have been invited to participate in pre-show festivities, beginning at 7:30 to ring in the holidays. Also, hot chocolate and cider will be for sale in the lobby during the run of A Christmas Carol.

With the opening of A Christmas Carol, The Rep will be introducing its new modified box office hours. The new hours will be Monday through Tuesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 1-8 p.m.; and Sunday 1-7p.m. When the theatre is not in production of a show, the box office hours will be Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 1-4 p.m. and closed on Sunday.

Charles Dickens knew that the weary world never tires of a wonderful story wonderfully told. The Rep is pleased to give its audiences this delightful family production to compliment this year's holiday celebration. It is a story both timeless and timely; a story to be shared by all who value the true meaning of the Christmas spirit.

Ticket prices range from $14 to $26 and can be purchased by calling The Rep at 501-378- 0405. Group rates are available. Call Angie at 501-378-0445, ext. 202. Visit the website at www.therp.org