2009-11-19

Riverside Players ‘bless each & everyone’ this holiday season

By Judith Pannebaker

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a de rigueur peek into preparing for the holiday in 19th century England.

For three performances only, this weekend, the Great Room of the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center will be transformed into the splendors and privation of Dickensian London.

Familiar holiday guests will include the poverty-stricken Cratchit family with frail but inspiring, Tiny Tim; the piteous shade that was once Jacob Marley, encumbered by chains throughout eternity; an untypical trio of truly enlightening ghosts; and, of course, the one man who might have been destined to spoil the holidays forever, Ebenezer Scrooge.

These characters – along with a cast of tens – will bring to life Charles Dickens’ beloved classic, “A Christmas Carol.”

Presented by Bandera’s Riverside Players, “A Christmas Carol” kicks off the holiday season with an “in the round” production in the Great Room of the Silver Sage Corral Senior Activity Center, 803 Buck Creek Boulevard. Performances are scheduled for 7 pm, Friday, Nov. 20; and 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 and 22.

Cost is $10 per person with students admitted free. Tickets will be available at the door prior to each performance.

Directors Salle Ellis and Dennis Thompson have put together an unforgettable version of Dickens’ most famous play. The cast includes Dennis Jerome, JD Ellis, Thompson, David Collyer, Pat Sill, Johnette Brown, Angel Bishoppetty, Walt Ellis, Merlene Day, Jessica Jerome, Jason Childers, Judith Pannebaker, Sarah Hawley, Chris Wise, Luitgard and Bill Cornelison, Amber Wise, Cora Bishoppetty, Jessica Jerome, Elaine Weller, Nita Jenkins and Pat Robbins.

Cassie Wise serves as assistant director, Sylvia Kelley as promptor and Carla Stanfield as sound technician. Ashley Weller will provide musical accompaniment.

Originally published in 1843, “A Christmas Carol” tells the tale of the redemption of Scrooge as played by JD Ellis. Not coincidentally, the novella was eventually credited with returning the Christmas holiday to one of merriment and festivity in both Britain and America. Previously, the celebration had suffered through an unwarranted – and alarming – period of temperance and solemnity.

Since its publication, “A Christmas Carol” has never been out of print. It has been adapted not only to the stage, but also for film and opera, as well as the odd television production.

To turn “bah, humbugs” into “God bless us each and everyone!” join the Riverside Players and learn how to “keep Christmas well” this weekend.