A Christmas Carol
The story has been told many times in different ways including versions made for radio and television. However, experiencing A Christmas Carol live on stage, during the holidays and close to home, proves to be a hit again this year. “We’ve been presenting A Christmas Carol for more than 30 years,” said Travis Walter, artistic director at 
Meadow Brook Theatre, “A lot of years it’s like a family reunion, and our audience is part of that family.” Now in its 31st production run at Meadow Brook Theatre, A Christmas Carol brings over two dozen professional Michigan actors together on the campus of Oakland University.
“A Christmas Carol is our gift to southeast Michigan,” said Cheryl Marshall, managing director at Meadow Brook Theatre. “People return year after year, because they know this play is a magical event.”
Telling the Story of Scrooge
Tiny Tim, a role shared by Jack Sanitate of Washington and Nathan Koss of Lake Orion, warms the heart of Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Thomas D. Mahard. Mahard, in his fourth year as the stereotype of anti-Christmas, has been in the production for 27 years. Besides Scrooge, he has taken the stage as Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit and others; and has been teaching theater and acting at Oakland University since 1993.
This adaptation was written and originally staged by Charles Nolte. Meadow Brook Theatre associate director, Terry W. Carpenter, directs the production again this year. Original choreography is by Jan Puffer, a Berkely, Michigan native, who now lives in Minneapolis where she teaches and works as an actress.
The Carolers of Christmas
A special treat for patrons is to arrive 30 minutes before show time and enjoy the carolers. They arrive into the theater dressed in period costumes and play the part of the Londoners in the production. Offering carols to the audience – sing along is encouraged – it sets the stage for this classic story by Charles Dickens.
Vivian Ellsworth of Rochester Hills plays a Caroler/Londoner and is the music director in this year’s production. She said, “It means the world to me to have the opportunity to be in this beautiful show. I love Caroling and looking out into the audience and seeing so many people I know. I think I see someone I recognize at every performance. I love the support the community shows this wonderful theatre.” Ellsworth tells Rochester Media how she and her family enjoy the holidays in Rochester, “We love Lagniappe and all of the Christmas lights. Our family also attends the living nativity at L.D.S. church. We also love to donate something warm to the neighborhood house every year.”
Meadow Brook TheatreOn the campus of Oakland University in Rochester
Runs weekends and select weeknights through December 23, 2012
Tickets are priced from $25 to $40
Box Office 248-370-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
www.TicketMaster.com
Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com
About Michael Dwyer