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‘God Bless Us, Every One’
‘A Christmas Carol’
final weekend
Photos by Denise Rehse Watson
The Cratchit Family: Richard
Jepson, left, as Bob Cratchit, Robin Garrett as Martha, Andrew Burke
as Peter, Tristan Gensberg as Mrs. Cratchit, and Delaney Rea as The
Boy, who steps into the story as Tiny Tim. |
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By KIRBY NEUMANN-REA
News staff writer
December 6, 2006
Near the end of Charles Dickens’ classic
tale, Ebenezer Scrooge encounters the third of three spirits. Scrooge
says to the grim, silent partner in the miser’s redemption:
“I am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come? You are
about to show me shadows of the things that have not happened, but
will happen in the time before us? Is that so, Spirit? I fear you more
than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me
good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am
prepared to bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will
you not speak to me? Lead on, Spirit.”
*****
CAST concludes its production of the Dickens’ tale, “A Christmas
Carol” this weekend.
“A Christmas Carol” is a co-production of CAST and Columbia Gorge
Community College’s theater department. Director is Richard Parker,
theater instructor at CGCC and familiar actor and director for CAST.
Focusing on Dickens’ powerful language, humor and warmth, this
charming version by Christopher Schario simply and directly tells the
story of the redemption of a human soul. CAST favorite Gary Young
returns to portray Ebenezer Scrooge, the miser everyone loves to hate
until he sees the error of his ways.
Gary Young as Scrooge: shunning nephew
Fred (Chad Morrison)
Adapted for a small- to medium-sized
company, cast members portray multiple characters, moving fluidly from
scene to scene, accompanied by onstage musicians who play traditional
carols and English folk tunes to create the proper holiday atmosphere.
The play marks the beginning of what could become a community
partnership.
Just over half of the company members are students in the theater
rehearsal and performance class offered this term at CGCC, who earn
college credit for their participation. The set is designed by
Benjamin Garrett, a former CGCC theater student who is now involved
with his second CAST play as a volunteer.
In “Carol” are CAST veterans Tom Penchoen as the kindly Mr. Fezziwig
and Ken McCarty as Jacob Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Present,
along with Hood River’s Mary Brenneman as Mrs. Fezziwig, and Delaney
Rea, 11, in multiple youth parts.
The bulk of the cast is comprised of current or former CGCC students,
who also play multiple roles, including Richard Jepson as Bob Cratchit
and Tristan Gensberg as Mrs. Cratchit. Benjamin Garrett plays Young
Ebenezer; Robin Garrett is Belle, Scrooge’s fiancee; Eve Danforth
portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past. Holly Spangle is Fan, Scrooge’s
sister, and Andrew Burke is Peter Cratchit.
Musicians Donna Reuter, Tobias Ammon and Laurie Connally (Dec. 8-9)
have taken turns providing seasonal accompaniment, and Robin Garrett
and Benjamin Garrett perform on flute and trumpet, respectively.
The London backdrop was painted by Irene Fields, lighting design was
by Jim Bull and costumes are by Debra Jones, Richard Parker and The
Theatre Company of The Dalles.
Following the Ghost of Christmas Present
(Ken McCarty)
Parker designed the poster, Cindy Morus
created the program, Barbara Young provided publicity, JoAnn Harris
served as house manager and Debra Jones and Maureen Higgins (and other
community members) served as ushers.
Parker said he hopes that the CAST-CGCC partnership will be the first
of many and will encourage students to get involved with CAST and arts
organizations throughout the Gorge (students from The Dalles and
Goldendale are playing roles) where they can take advantage of the
wealth of experience and guidance offered by community members.
The Fezziwigs (Mary Brenneman and Tom
Penchoen)
lead the Christmas Eve dance.
*****
A final note on “A Christmas Carol,” courtesy of Gary Young, who has
performed the role numerous times. In his program notes, Young writes:
“I am always taken by the timeless view of the human experience
Dickens offers. It is my hope that you, too, will find in Christmas a
call to help eradicate the dangers of ‘want and ignorance’ and that
each of us, in celebrating this joyous season, will find the strength
to let go of past hurts and wounds — as did Ebenezer, who became ‘as
good a friend as the good old city ever knew…’” |
