Judson College Theatre Program performs A Christmas Carol

Review by George Frangoulis

Christmas came early to Judson College with the theatrical production of the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. A total of four performances were given in Judson’s Alumnae Auditorium on November 13–15.

The three evening performances were at 7 p.m., in addition to a matinee performance on opening day for 250 local children from Marion’s Albert Turner Elementary School.

A Christmas Carol is considered by many the jewel in the crown of holiday classics. Audiences saw Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption come to life in Judson’s enchanting production, which was filled with the exciting arrival of ghosts, jubilant Christmas musical numbers, and Scrooge’s joyful discovery of love.

The show included an all-female cast of 24 student actors and choristers, as well as a live band of student and faculty musicians.

Leading the play’s ensemble in the role of the omniscient narrator was Rachel Ray. She used her strong stage presence and clear voice to confidently introduce dramatic scenes and set the stage for Scrooge’s scary encounters with his ghosts.

The show’s cast was very well-rehearsed. Judson players with major roles included the following students: Sarah Stringfellow as Ebenezer Scrooge; Erin Brown as Bob Cratchit; Katie Gehr as Spirit of Christmas Past; Margie Gunter as Spirit of Christmas Present; Kimberly Coleman as Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come; Brittany Johnson as Fred Hallowell, Ebenezer’s nephew; Cheyann McDaniel as Mrs. Cratchit; Taylor Clark as Belinda Cratchit; Cayce Defee as Martha Cratchit; Micaylee Clayton as Peter Cratchit; Sandy Lockridge as Tiny Tim; Cynthia Mosborg as Belle, Ebenezer’s young romance; Jacqueline Gerhold as young Ebenezer.A Christmas Carol 2

A most versatile player was Laura Lee, Judson’s Director of Campus Ministries, who adeptly played a variety of roles. Her characters included Jacob Marley, Mr. Fezziwig, and the Poulterer.

The show’s major characters shone brightly on stage because of a strong supporting cast of student actors and singers including: Brittney Channell, Amber Sutton, Candice Page, Candise Denney, Allison Crumbley, Noaf Bader, Sarah Green, Karina Griniage, Rachael Fitts and Katelyn Chastang.

An impressive element of the production was the elaborate stage set. Jamie Adams, Assistant Professor of Art, Chair of the Fine Arts Division and Head of the Art Department, designed and had built a replica, two-story, Victorian building. Its street level housed two business offices – both Ebenezer Scrooge’s and Jacob Marley’s offices. The upper level served as Scrooge’s bedroom and the Cratchit’s home.

Following the performance on Saturday, November 15, a Dickensian dinner was served. The dinner was organized by students in the Judson English Club under the direction of Dr. Chris Hokanson, Assistant Professor of English, Chair of the Humanities Division and Head of the English Department.

The play was directed by Dr. Billie Jean Young, Associate Professor of Fine and Performing Arts and Artist in Residence at Judson College. Dr. Betty Campbell, Professor of Music, was the show’s music director; Dr. Camilla Horne, Assistant Professor of Music, was instrumental director; and costumes were designed by Ms. Vassie Wellbeck-Browne, who has designed costumes for many of Judson’s shows.

A Christmas Carol and the Dickensian dinner were big hits, and a very merry time was had by all. Congratulations to students, faculty and staff who contributed to the events’ successes!

PHOTO: Scrooge Buys a Christmas Turkey for the Cratchit Family – (L-R): Laura Lee as the Poulterer, Candice Page as Boy, and Sarah Anne Stringfellow as Ebenezer Scrooge.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Mathews


 

Original article:

Nov. 7, 2014 –  Judson College’s Theatre Program will perform “A Christmas Carol” on November 13, 14, and 15.  All three performances will be held in Alumnae Auditorium at 7 p.m.

This production of “A Christmas Carol” is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s timeless classic about finding compassion and forgiveness and preparing to meet one’s Maker.  The director of the play is Dr. Billie Jean Young; Musical Director is Dr. Betty Campbell; and Stage Designer is Mr. Jamie Adams. Admission to the play is free.

A Christmas CarolIn addition to the play, Judson’s English Club will be hosting a traditional Dickensian Christmas Dinner at 8:30 p.m. in Archibald Hall after the Saturday, November 15 performance.  The dinner menu will include roast goose, turkey, and other specialties from the Victorian Christmas table.

Begin your holiday festivities with a big helping of Christmas fun and food. If you are interested in the Victorian Christmas dinner, an advance ticket purchase is required by November 10 — $15 for the general public; $8 for Judson College students; and $5 for children 12 and under.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact Dr. Chris Hokanson at chokanson@judson.edu or 334-683-5124.

PHOTO: Judson College student Margie Gunter is fitted for her costume by costumer, Mrs. Vassie Wellbeck Browne. Photo by Billie Jean Young

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