NORWICH – “A Christmas Carol” is coming to a theater near you. The production will be presented by the Norwich Theater Company at the Martin W. Kappel Theater on 27 W. Main St. in Norwich. There are three performances slated for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16; and Sunday, Nov. 17 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available in person at the Northeast Classic Car Museum on 24 Rexford St. or the Chenango Arts Council on 27 W. Main St. in Norwich. Tickets are also available by calling 1-888-613-4496 or by visiting norwichtheatercompany.org.
Imagine it's the dead of night on a cold, dark Christmas Eve and you are visited by the ghost of someone you once knew. This ghost challenges you to face your faults and re-evaluate your purpose in life by showing you glimpses of your past, present and future. You have no choice but to realize how your decisions have affected those that love you. It is no wonder that Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” is still relevant in modern times and remains a classic favorite to this day. During a season that represents the spirit of giving, like Ebenezer Scrooge, we are reminded to think of others.
John Stockton, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, describes the play as a story of “self-forgiveness” and “redemption.” He emphasizes that the play is “a moving story and a classic for all ages,” a production that everyone in the community can enjoy.
“The meaning behind 'A Christmas Carol' is that even a person that has long since turned their back on humankind, on other people and their own inherent humanity, can be brought back to life. Sometimes they need a little help. That's where the ghosts come into play. The Ghost of Christmas Past humbles Scrooge by showing him his past regrets that have led him to where he is now. The ghost of Christmas present, my character, shows him what he is missing out on because of his past mistakes. The Ghost of Christmas Future motivates him to change by showing him the sad legacy he is likely to leave behind if he continues in the same direction.”
The director, Mark D. Sands, has devoted his time and effort to make “A Christmas Carol” a quality performance. “We have a group of very talented actors, including seasoned veterans and passionate newcomers,” said Sands. The main cast is as follows: Scott Douglas as the lead character Ebenezer Scrooge; Mike McCormick as Bob Cratchett, Scrooge's clerk; Josiah Tyler as the infamous Tiny Tim; Cratchett's son, Steve Emmons as Fred; Scrooge's nephew, Tess Markham as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Jonathan Stockton as the Ghost of Christmas Present; and Mike Close as the Ghost of Christmas Future.
“The main cast is only a third of the entire cast and almost everyone in the show has lines pertinent to the progression of the story,” said Stockton.
Sands is an advocate for visual arts in the community. As a recent retiree of Norwich High School, where he spent 21 years directing high school musicals, he now wants to make an impact on community arts. He recently directed Norwich Theater Company’s production of “Godspell.” This will be Sands first non-musical production and one he is truly proud of. He says that he has not seen a production of “A Christmas Carol” locally in the 20 years he has lived in Norwich.
Sands explains that the Norwich Theater Company was formed only three years ago with the intention of bringing quality entertainment to the local community. Rather than having big stars come from outside the community to perform for the locals, the company wanted to make stars of the talent that is already here.
“People should come to the show to support community visual arts and the local talent. We are here for them and want to enrich the community. This is the perfect first play to attend. It really is a play for everyone,” said Sands. According to Sands, Stockton, and the Norwich Theater Company, you will not be disappointed by the production and you will be supporting the local visual arts by coming out to see the show this November.