One of the strengths of Greenville Little Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” is that this musical version delves into Scrooge’s backstory, said Allen McCalla, who takes on the role of the infamous miser.
It shows how a bright young man became motivated by greed alone and hostile toward his fellow human beings.
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“In this adaptation, they do such a good job of pointing out why he became the way he is, and how he can rejoin humanity,” McCalla said.
The Little Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” opens Friday, Dec. 11 for seven performances through Dec. 20.
Charles Dickens’ classic tale relates the story of how the old, grasping Scrooge is redeemed by the intervention of the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Marley, and three other spirits.
“It has become one of the quintessential Christmas stories,” McCalla said. “Dickens really has helped define how we celebrate Christmas today.”
“A Christmas Carol” has been one of the most popular shows in the 22 years that Allen and Suzanne McCalla have led Greenville Little Theatre.
Every few years, by public demand, they’ve brought back this adaptation by Adrian Hall, with music and lyrics by Richard Cummings.
“I love this version because it’s so true to the novel and it’s so theatrical, with ghosts coming out of the floor,” McCalla said.
This marks the sixth time Greenville Little Theatre has staged “A Christmas Carol” in the past two decades. It was last produced in 2011.
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“The time was right to do it again,” said McCalla, the Little Theatre’s executive artistic director.
Timeless tale
Dickens’ compassionate and heartwarming themes are always timely, McCalla said.
“It’s about the joy of giving,” McCalla said. “It’s not really about presents. It’s about giving of yourself and being with family. We get caught up in ourselves and forget that we need to give, we need to be more involved with other people.”
McCalla, 60, has been involved with this version of “A Christmas Carol” no less than 14 times at various venues, often directing the musical but also acting in the show as well.
“I’ve done it all these times and I never get tired of it,” McCalla said.
He’s playing the demanding role of Scrooge, however, for the first time.
“He’s supposed to be a stingy, bitter, mean, covetous old man so I was the logical choice,” McCalla said, with a laugh. (McCalla is known as one of the nicest men on the Greenville theater scene.)
Suzanne McCalla, who serves as the Little Theatre’s producing director, is taking on directing responsibilities for the musical.
Her production features a cast of 35.
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“The youngest is 7 and the oldest is 65,” Allen McCalla said.
The only other show that the McCallas have staged as many times as “A Christmas Carol” is another Yuletide favorite, the variety show “Christmas Spectacular.”
On Dec. 16, Greenville Little Theatre will also open “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” McCalla noted that the theater will then be performing the two stories that, according to many historians, have had the most influence on our modern idea of Christmas.
For the latest in local arts news and reviews, follow Paul Hyde on Facebook and Twitter: @PaulHyde7.
YOU CAN GO
What: “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens; musical adaptation by Adrian Hall with music and lyrics by Richard Cummings
When: 8 p.m. on Dec. 11-12 and 17-19; also 3 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 20
Where: Greenville Little Theatre, 444 College St. at Heritage Green
Tickets: $28, with discounts for seniors, juniors and groups of 10 or more
Information: 864-233-6238 or www.greenvillelittletheatre.org
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
