Published: November 14, 2007 09:52 am      

Classic story retold | 'A Christmas Carol' to be staged at Windber theater

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

A musical retelling of a classic Christmas story will delight both young and old.

American Family Theater will present Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at Arcadia Theater, 1418 Graham Ave., Windber.

The kid-friendly show is part of Arcadia’s “Coal-ala Bear” children’s series, but American Family Theater founder Laurie Wagman said the production can be enjoyed by all.

“It’s a very honest retelling of the classic story,” Wagman said.

“It’s a musical for all ages.

“Everyone from kids to grandparents love it.”

Wagman said the production features some very nonfrightening spirits.

“We have Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, and two of them are very funny,” she said. “Christmas Past is a giggly, delicious character – a woman in outlandish Victorian costume.”

The Spirit of Christmas Present is always making jokes in the vein of “I’m a Christmas present, get it?”

“These aren’t gray ghosts – they have bright costumes,” Wagman said. “Christmas Future is more somber because he sees what might happen.”

All costumes and accessories are authentically Victorian, and all music is original.

Tunes include a “Bah, Humbug” song, a song about a make-believe world, a song asking Tiny Tim what he wants for Christmas and the finale, “It’s Christmas.”

“We always do musicals,” Wagman said. “As one picture is worth a thousand words, music adds to the story. It pushes the action forward. It’s a huge addition. Music can define what goes on in the characters’ heads.”

Wagman said the stage dressing captures a Victorian London town.

American Family Theater has been performing “A Christmas Carol” in the United States for years.

“We’re asked for it constantly,” Wagman said. “We’re a nationwide company and do some work overseas. At this time of year, we get requests for it. This year, we will have three tours.”

The children’s series, which is geared to children ages 3 to 12, fulfills Arcadia’s mission to include the cultural needs of children in Somerset County and the Greater Johnstown area through live children’s theater.

Tickets are $6 and are available by calling 467-9070.



Yule treat

What: “A Christmas Carol,” presented by American Family Theater.

Where: Arcadia Theater, 1418 Graham Ave., Windber.

When: 2 p.m. Dec. 2.

Tickets: $6.

Information: 467-9070.