MANSFIELD — The Renaissance Performing Arts Association will launch its holiday programming beginning with a Broadway-style musical re-imagination of Charles Dickens’ classic story, A Christmas Carol.
Presented as part of the Richland Bank Broadway Series, A Christmas Carol is set to a lush score by Broadway all-star composers Alan Menken (Disney’s Little Mermaid and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical).
Renaissance Artistic Director Michael Thomas will direct the production, with music direction by Deb Logan, sets by Jason Kaufman, choreography by Shannon Maloney, and Lighting and Sound Design by Chad Eaton. The cast features 22 local actors performing as “The Greater Lower Dowsbridge Dramatic Society and Light Opera Company,” an acting troupe created for the purpose of the show’s setting.
“The show will be set in an overstuffed Victorian theatre, packed with curiosities and curios, and will feature a colorful and slightly ragtag troupe of actors, (the slightly-less-than-world-renowned Greater Lower Dowsbridge Dramatic Society and Light Opera Company Upper),” Thomas said.
“The charmingly rustic setting will bring the audience into the playful retelling of the classic tale,” says Colleen Cook, Director of Marketing at the Renaissance.
The performance will run for two weekends, Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m., followed by Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m., Nov. 19 at 8 p.m., and closing Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and are available online at MansfieldTickets.com, by visiting or calling the Renaissance Box Office at 419-522-2726.
The Players of “The Greater Lower Dowsbridge Dramatic Society and Light Opera Company”:
Her Ladyship, Katie Baughn, of the principality of Mt. Gilead, as Dora Cratchit and other divine inspirations.
Master Bryce Dials, late of Willard, as Young Ebenezer, and a congress of supplementary dramatis personae.
Baroness Mary van Frankenfield as Mrs Dilber and other delightful tidbits and delectables.
Mistress Sydney Genter as Grace Smythe, Christmas Goodie and a plethora of ingenious portrayals.
Kristal, The Grand Duchy of Lawrence as Adult Fan, Christmas Goodie and several winning surprises.
Princess Cassandra, heir to the Kurek Dynasty as Mary Cratchit and a mélange of treats.
Michael, Marquess of Miller as Jacob Marley and a host of well-drawn characters.
Colton, the Fourth Earl of Penwell as Bob Cratchit, Prudence Fezziwig and additional challenging roles.
Dame Madeline Penwell as Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchit and a panorama of personas.
Pamela, The Dowager Countess of Phillips as the Charwoman and other firm-jawed heroines.
Harmoni Sauder, Duchess of Lucas as Belle, Sally and a bouquet of ladies as fine as spun sugar.
Scott Schag, Viscount of Shelby as Christmas Present as well as varied individuals of dramatic intensity.
Maid Anna of Scheurershire as Martha Cratchit, Christmas Goodie and additional memorable ingénues.
Ryan, Duke of Shreve as Nephew Fred, Young Scrooge and further authentic depictions.
Mademoiselle McKenna de Stoffer as Young Fan, and a garland of dramaturgical delights.
Sir Deon of Taylor as Mr Smythe, A Man of Charity, Ghostly Acolyte and other fanciful diversions.
Lord Stephen Joshua Thompson as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Viscountess Lori Turner as Christmas Future, Mrs. Mops and a wide range of theatrical portraiture.
The Marchioness Sheryl Villegas as Beggar Woman, Sailor, and an array of pleasing commemorations.
Lady Condrea Webber as Mrs. Fezziwig, A Good Man of Business and a cornucopia of personalities.
The Honorable Alex Wettrich, Esq., as Tiny Tim.
with
Cyril Brainsthwaite, an individual of low-birth and high moral recklessness, as Mr. Fezziwig/Old Jo.
About A Christmas Carol
Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present, & Future.
Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
