St. Mary's Theatre Transformed Into a Dickens Winter Wonderland

Article provided by W. A. Thompson on behalf of Sault Theatre Workshop and Stage 1.

As Charles Dickens himself said; '... he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.' In speaking about the transformation of Scrooge from the uncaring, stingy and selfish old man he was to the vibrant and kind individual that he became, Dickens touches our hearts to release the 'Ebenezer Scrooge' that may dwell deep within our own souls. This timeless piece of Christmas tradition comes to life next week, giving all of us what will be an evening of merriment and wonder.

The Sault Theatre Workshop and Stage 1 is finalizing a transformation of their own - turning the paint and plaster of St. Mary's Theatre into the 'Dickens London' of the late 1800's complete with carollers, merchants, and a host of other enchanting characters. The cast and crew are putting the final touches on this festive production which is sure to turn your most wailing 'Humbug' into a festive cheer of 'God Bless us everyone'.

Director D Daynard has taken his cast of 34 actors, whose experience ranges from the novice actor to the seasoned veterans and moulded them into a diverse adaptation of this Dickens classic. Daynard has taken the Dickens novel and has breathed new life and emotion into the characters for this stage production.

This ready and able cast has been working hard to hone their characters and are ready to present their story to you. Harry Houston holds down the role of Scrooge as he moves from his dingy office to his amazing journey with the spirits and ultimately to his epiphany and change of heart. The story is relayed to us thorough our interaction with the narrator played by Anika Riopel. The ghosts are remarkable group of spectres played by Cary Muncaster (Jacob Marley); Heather Craig (Ghost of Christmas Past); Jeff Muncaster (Ghost of Christmas Present) and Bekka Sangestino (Ghost of Christmas Yet-to Come). Scrooge's present day relations include his nephew Fred played by Derek Daynard. The loveable Cratchit Family - all eight of them - have Wayne Thompson playing the role of Bob Cratchit, Marry-Ann Iles as his loving wife, and their children - Mara Nadeau (Martha), Cody Jones(Peter), Tasha Swift (Belinda), Joey Quinton (Michael), Dana Martin (Susan)and Charlotte Aelick as Tinny Tim. The cast includes a young Scrooge played by Daniel O'Brien, the Adult Scrooge played by Jeff Jonusaitis with Katie Griffin playing the love of his young life, Belle. The cast is rounded out with various members taking on multiple roles in a diverse and entertaining fashion and they include: Pat Boudreau, David Craig, Allysha Daynard, Eric Fleming, Taylor Gilmar, Jamie Ledyit, Cayley Matthews, Courtney McDonald, Erin Middaugh, Natasha Moran, Ben Morphet Scott Morphet, Tyler O'Brien, Reyanna Sangestino, Jeffrey Slingsby and Helen Zhao. A great cast with a firm vision of the life and times of Charles Dickens.

The play opens on Wednesday, December 8th with the curtain going up at 8:00 pm. The play continues through until the closing performance on Saturday, December 11th. Ticket prices would make old Scrooge himself sit up and notice as Adult tickets are only $15, Seniors at a paltry $13 and Students at the miserly cost of $5. Tickets can be ordered ahead of time by calling 946-4081 or 946-4513 or can be purchased at the door on the evening of each performance.

The Christmas season is upon us and the performance of 'A Christmas Carol' by this talented group of actors will have you hooked with the spirit of joy that is Christmas. You may find yourself humming one of the carols and proclaiming 'God Bless Us Everyone' as you leave the theatre with the same spirit that came to Scrooge and the one that is within us all. 'God Bless You Everyone!'