The production of A Christmas Carol being presented at The Colonial Theatre in Keene, NH on 12/9 is a family tradition across the country. Since 1979, the Omaha Community Playhouse’s professional touring wing, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, has delighted audiences nationwide with this holiday tour.
The script was adapted by Charles Jones, former Executive Director of the Omaha Community Playhouse, for a volunteer cast at the Playhouse in 1976. John Bennett, Musical Director, and Joanne Cady, Choreographer, added traditional Christmas carols into the narrative. Nationally renowned scenic Designer James Othuse created the magical Victorian setting which has reminded countless audiences of an old-fashioned Currier and Ives print. A national booking agent saw the show and suggested a tour.
The Nebraska Theatre Caravan, the professional touring wing of the Omaha Community Playhouse, was more than ready for the task. Twenty-three performers, more than 100 costumes and a magnificent set struck out on that first tour of the Midwest in 1979. That tour was such as success that subsequent years have seen two-to-three companies concurrently touring the country. Each company stays true to the original production that began in Omaha more than 30 years ago.
According to the show’s originator, Charles Jones, “the entire production […] unashamedly takes advantage of the excitement of live theatre. The characters are larger than life could ever be.”
One of the many reasons for the success of the Caravan’s production of A Christmas Carol is this unique re-telling of the oft-told tale. It is enormously enhanced by James Othuse’s beautiful set, which recreates 1880s London, and gives the entire production the effect of being a Christmas card come to life. Each Christmas carol is chosen to create a specific dramatic effect; although the carols themselves are traditional, the scoring is contemporary and exceptionally beautiful.
This is a holiday event you won’t want to miss. Bring the whole family to see A Christmas Carol at The Colonial Theatre on Friday, December 9. Tickets can be purchased online at The Colonial Theatre’s website TheColonial.org, or through the box office at 603-352-2033.