How do you prefer your Christmas story?
Do you like the classic and heartwarming? Or do you go for modern and cynical?
Either way, Open Stage of Harrisburg has you covered this month, mounting both the classic (if very updated) version of “A Christmas Carol” and then hitting your funny bone hard with the return of Crumpet the Elf in “Santaland Diaries.”
So, you say you’ve seen old Scrooge umpteen times? Not this one. Running throughout the month, Open Stage’s version features song, dance, and, of course, those inimitable ghosts.
“I wanted to create something that felt new despite the story being nearly 175 years old,” said Stuart Landon, Open Stage’s associate artistic director, who directed and adapted this tale. “Adding in music, choreography, inventive costuming, special effects and surprising set pieces will transform a familiar story into something audiences have never seen before.”
For the 17th time, Nick Hughes will “Bah, humbug” his way across the stage in the seminal role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
“I think Stuart has a very different vision of what he wants to do in the theater,” said Hughes. “I think the pace and the emphasis will change compared to what was done before. The last time we did a full production was in Whitaker Center. Bringing it back to Open Stage, to a smaller, more intimate setting, suits the story very well.”
All cast members, except Hughes as Scrooge, will play multiple parts. This adds an additional challenge—and charm—to the piece.
Patty Cole, making her Open Stage debut, plays three roles that differ greatly, transforming from Mrs. Cratchit to the housekeeper to the older Belle.
“It’s a fun challenge to play different characters,” she said. “I’m most excited to be playing the housekeeper. I’m not usually cast as ‘nasty.’”
As the Ghost of Christmas Present, Karen Ruch is also excited to play a role outside of her norm.
“The Ghost of Christmas Present is so full of kindness and vitality, which is something I don’t get to play on stage that often,” she said. “Besides, what better way to remain mindful of each moment than to play ‘Present?’”
Adding to the fun are the familial connections within the cast. Nick Hughes’ son, Patrick, plays nephew Fred. Twins Conner and Riley McKean play Belinda and Peter Cratchit, among other characters. Finally, Cole’s son, T.J., plays several ensemble roles.
“Folks should come see this show because it is a wonderful story being told through this new adaptation that will be as rich as Christmas pudding and fresh as a pine bough,” said Ruch.
The cast of “A Christmas Carol” also includes David Richwine, Erin Shellenberger, Ian Wallace, Linzy McKinney, Katherine Campbell, Dawn-Michelle Lewis and Ashley Follett.
Various members of Open Stage’s OSHKids class will make appearances, as well. Off the boards, the play features musical direction by David Glasgow, choreography by Kelly Strange and stage management by David Callahan and Kel Kyle.
For those who prefer a more adult way to celebrate the holiday—well, your old pal Crumpet is back, and he’s going on tour.
You can find Crumpet in David Sedaris’ “Santaland Diaries” this month at both the Federal Taphouse and at Open Stage. Please note: unlike “A Christmas Carol,” this show is definitely not for the kids. But, if you enjoy your humor grown-up, irreverent and a bit blue, “Santaland Diaries” is for you.
“A Christmas Carol” runs Dec. 2 to 23 at Open Stage of Harrisburg, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. “Santaland Diaries” runs Dec. 4 and 11 at Federal Taphouse, 234 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. It also runs Dec. 9, 20 and 22 at Open Stage of Harrisburg. Tickets are available by visiting www.openstagehbg.com.
Upcoming Theater Events
At Harrisburg’s
Professional Downtown Theaters
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
“A Popcorn Hat Christmas Carol”
Nov. 30 to Dec. 17
Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. available by request for groups of 20 or more.
Tickets $8
TMI 3rd in The Burg Show
Dec. 16
Doors and bar open at 6:30 p.m. Performance starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are pay what you will; any size donation buys your admission.
Popcorn Hat Players’ New Year’s Eve Party For Children
Featuring a performance of “Cinderella”
Dec. 31
At the Sunoco Performance Theater at Whitaker Center
Early Bird Tickets Nov. 10 to 30, $10
After Nov. 30, $12
At Open Stage of Harrisburg
www.openstagehbg.com
“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 2 to 23
a new dazzling production
of the Charles Dickens classic
Tickets $15 to $35
“Santaland Diaries”
David Sedaris’ irreverent comedy
Crumpet the Elf is on tour!
Sundays, Dec. 4 & 11 at Federal Taphouse
Dec. 9, 20 & 22 at Open Stage
with Santa’s Little Helpers improv opening
Tickets $20 to $35
Dickens, Dessert & Dancing
A Victorian Holiday Party
Civic Club of Harrisburg
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Author: Laura Dugan
