Charles Dickens’ beloved 1843 Christmas story will come alive this December as the West Liberty University Theatre Department presents “A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley.”
Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 8-10, and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Kelly Theatre.
“Tickets are going fast, and we encourage people to call now for reservations,” said Director John Hennen, who also is an adjunct professor. The reservation number is 304-336-8277.
The heart-warming story of Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim needs no introduction.
“This adaptation follows the Dickens original scrupulously but, in bringing it to life on the stage, adds elements of inventiveness and brilliant theatricality that enhance and strengthen its timeless virtues,” Hennen said. “’A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley’ is a theater piece of unique eloquence, which will delight audiences and prepare our hearts for the festivities of the holiday season.”
Singing and dancing also add entertainment value to this holiday classic and make it “must-see” event of the season.
A cast of 40 will bring the story to life. Wheeling actor Michael L. Aulick, a member of the WLU faculty, will play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly businessman visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, played by Rich Ivaun, who will visit him with the other ghosts to show Scrooge the past, present and future.
“It’s such a wonderful show,” Hennen said, “with a good cast and some touching moments.” The large case includes students, staff and community actors.
CHRISTMAS CAROL: SCROOGE AND MARLEY
The People of the Play
Jacob Marley: Rich Ivan
Ebenezer Scrooge: Michael Aulick
Bob Crachitt: Brady Dunn
Fred, Scrooge’s Nephew: Grant VanCamp
Thin Do-Gooder: Chris Rees
Portly Do-Gooder: Josie Jarrett
The Ghost of Christmas Past: Melinda Kreisberg
Little Boy Scrooge: Brayden Conway
Young Man Scrooge: Kobe Wade
Fan, Scrooge’s little sister: Ruori Stoll/Jayden Clutter
The Schoolmaster: Rob DeSantis
Fezziwig: Zac Morris
Dick, young Scrooge’s coworker: Anthony Hood
Scrooge’s Lost Love: Maria Matsakis
The Ghost of Christmas Present: Jed Shook
Mrs.Crachitt: Ingrid Young
Belinda Crachitt: Baylei Mills/Sophia Sliter-Hays
Martha Crachitt: Tessie Tokash
Peter Crachitt: Sam Sliter-Hays/Daniel White
Tiny Tim Crachitt: Aiden Mills/Shia Conway
Scrooge’s Niece, Fred’s wife: Sarah Lemley
The Ghost of Christmas Future: Ben Moore
First Woman: Amanda Tamplen
Mrs.Dilber: Callie Carroll
Old Joe: Rob DeSantis
Adam: Zachary Gordon
A Poulterer: Ben Moore
First Business Man: Alex Franke
Second Business Man: Alex Gordon
Third Business Man: Josie Jarrett
Man(WOMAN) 1: Alex Burdick
Man(WOMAN) 2: Hunter Helms
Ensemble: Carly Balog, Alex Burdick, Hunter Helms, Amber Parsons, Jessica Roth and Summer Timbs.
Online ticketing and early bird discounts also are available at wlucarol.brownpapertickets.com and will eliminate a wait at the ticketing window the day of the performance.
General admission tickets will cost $12.50 at the door. For senior citizens, university employees and students of other institutions tickets will be $10 and West Liberty students with university ID will be charged $5 at the door.
