Jackson County Community Theatre is preparing for the holidays.
The theater group traditionally presents a family-oriented show in early December, often with a holiday theme, to help patrons celebrate the Christmas season.
The December 2020 production was presented by streaming due to the red condition of COVID-19 spread. In anticipation of a better outcome this year, JCCT wanted to bring a very traditional Christmas show to the community.
Not surprisingly, their selection was Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” It’s a tale of the hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge, who is transformed into a generous and loving gentleman by the unlikely midnight visit of his long-dead partner, Jacob Marley, followed by the spirits of Christmases past, present and future. The spirits take him to scenes from each of those times, inspiring him to “keep Christmas in his heart” for the rest of his life, according to Dickens.
This adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” relies on a small cast of 10 actors. With the exception of Ebenezer Scrooge, all of the actors play several parts. This version was selected to prevent crowded conditions onstage. In fact, all of this season’s productions were chosen with small casts in mind for this reason in hopes of keeping actors and crew safe from possible COVID exposure during rehearsals as much as possible.
Elyse McGill is directing the show, assisted by Hannah McGill. Steve Deweese is production manager.
The role of Scrooge is played by Larry Hartley, a JCCT newcomer who first appeared at Royal Off-the-Square in September as Dionysus in “The Gods of Comedy.” Though new to JCCT, Hartley has extensive stage experience and will direct a JCCT show during the 2022-23 season.
All of the roles for young people are played by two actors. Sullivan Dick will play Tiny Tim, Scrooge as a young boy, George, Ignorance and a few other young boys. Bridget Deaton will play young Fan Grace, Abby, Greed and other young girls.
The adult female parts will be filled by Destiny Luttrell (Belle, Martha, Emma, Caroline), Kat Baute (Mrs. Dilber, Cook, Mrs. Fezziwig, Mrs. Cratchit) and Michelle Elkins (First Spirit, Rose, Third Spirit).
Male roles will be played by Andrew Dick (Bob Cratchit, Dick Williams, Topper) and Landon Whitson (Fred, Young Scrooge, Peter, Mr. Newbury). Additional male roles will be played by Mike DeShong (Mr. Granger, Mr. Harrington, Fezziwig, Second Spirit, Old Joe) and Mark Nolting (Mr. Bentley, Marley’s Ghost, Jacob Marley, Thomas).
Show dates are 7:30 p.m. Dec 3, 4, 10 and 11 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Tickets are available online at jcct.org and at Family Drug in Brownstown and Artistic Impressions in Seymour. Patrons also may order tickets by calling JCCT at 812-358-5228.
Patrons are advised to keep informed on changing conditions regarding masking. For the September production, the JCCT board required masking until patrons were seated. The board, however, decided to make such a decision depending on current conditions close to the opening of each show.