You don’t watch “It‘s A Wonderful Life” to see if Clarence will earn his wings. You don't go to "The Nutcracker" to see if Clara will meet the Sugar Plum Fairy. We all know the stories and we all the know the endings. We go to be reminded of messages of wonder and kindness and be filled with holiday spirit.
This year the Pied Piper Youth Theater’s production of "A Christmas Carol" puts a new spin on the classic tale. Written by author/actor John Ryerson, this version asks the question: What would Ebeneezer Scrooge be like a week after the curtain drops? A month? A year? Ryerson pens his version from the vantage point of three years in the future. Through flashbacks and recounted memories, the beloved story is retold.
As the stage lights come up, the audience becomes part of the show, with the incomparable Bonnie Ryerson as Belinda Cratchit, leading the way into Scrooge's 18th century London. The familiar tale unfolds, building toward Scrooge's transformation from curmudgeon to local philanthropist via a visit from his old friend Jacob Marley, played by Peter Alexander, and the ghosts of his past, present and future, featuring Jeff Davis.
The cast will invite older children (7-15) in the audience to come onstage to join the actors and actresses.
The play ends with the entire cast, crew, and audience calling out Christmas greetings. If that doesn’t get you in the mood, maybe you can apply for Scrooge’s old job.
"A Christmas Carol" will be performed at the historic Palace Danbury theatre on Dec 17th @ 4pm and 7pm. Tickets are general admission- $13 for children, and $18 for adults. Tickets can be ordered at www.thepalacedanbury.com or purchased at the box office one hour before the shows start.
