The timeless Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, comes to life at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre with a special one-hour music-filled presentation of this classic on stage from Dec. 5-21.
Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly businessman whose bitterness has increased with age. He cares little for the needs of his fellow man, preferring to keep money in his pocket rather than coal on the fire. His employee, Bob Cratchit, faithfully endures the ongoing chill from both his workplace and his boss. Faithfully, he keeps Scrooge in his prayers even through his own family is struggling to survive on the meager salary he earns. The health of Cratchit's young son, Tiny Tim, is as poor as the family is financially, but Scrooge's heart is unmoved and his coffers remain unopened.
Scrooge's inhumanity becomes so intense that it stirs the spirit of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who visits him on Christmas Eve. Marley tells Scrooge he will be visited by three more spirits, and advises him to heed the messages they bring. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come then appear to Scrooge in succession - reminding him of what was, pointing out what is, and showing him what will be should he continue on his present path. Not only will his life be quickly forgotten if he maintains his miserly ways, but those around him face hardships that he could have easily prevented.
Eddie Curry stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this story of second chances and forgiveness. WRTV6's Trisha Shepherd returns to the Beef & Boards stage to play the Ghost of Christmas Past. Trisha made her debut at Beef & Boards last season starring in the title role of the children's production, Snow White. The other ghosts are played by Jonah D. Winston (Christmas Present) and Jason Gloye (Christmas Yet To Come). Dave Ruark returns to play Bob Cratchit, and Bobbie Bates plays Mrs. Cratchit. Real-life siblings play three of their four children - Anna Miller as Tiny Tim, Keely Miller as Belinda Cratchit and Bryce Miller as Peter Cratchit, with Emily Miller (not related) as Martha Cratchit. Collin Poynter plays the storyteller. Jacob Marley is played by John Vessels, and Jill Kelly and Carrie S. Neal round out the cast.
The show is directed by Jeff Stockberger. Ron Morgan is the choreographer and Michael Hoagland is musical director. Costumes are by Brian Horton.
There are 10 performances of this special one-hour version of A Christmas Carol scheduled in the intimate atmosphere of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $18 to $31, including Chef Odell Ward's scrumptious holiday buffet - complete with carved turkey and all the trimmings - and the show. Parking is always free.
For reservations, call the box office at 317.872.9664 between 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays. Discounts are available for groups and children ages 3-15.
For more information or show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.
