Hugh McMillan’s Kids Corner: Scrooge lives again in ‘Christmas Carol’

Peninsula High School will open a two-weekend run of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” beginning at 7 p.m. Friday in the Milton S. Boyd Performing Arts Center.

Set in 1832 London, “A Christmas Carol” is the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a friendless, mean-spirited old man whose hardened heart no longer feels the joy of Christmas or generosity. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited in the night by the spirit of his long-dead business partner, Jacob Marley, and three ghosts: Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come.

With their help, Scrooge begins his journey toward redemption, where he learns to open his heart, remember kindness, and embrace the joy of Christmas.

I visited a recent dress rehearsal and talked with the cast members and their director, PHS artistic director Kara Beloate.

“Bringing this classic story to life in an original way has been an exciting challenge,” said Beloate. “Moving sets, music and a large ensemble cast make this production magical.

“But beyond the spectacle,” she added, “the most impressive and rewarding thing has been watching these young people rise to and fulfill their own potential. Whether performing on stage or supporting behind the scenes, these students have proven that they are valuable members of a team and our theater community. This is why we do what we do.”

These sentiments were echoed by the young cast and crew.

”Throughout this production, I learned the importance of community and ensemble work,” said junior Somer Mayer, who plays the wife of Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. “No matter what your role, you have a huge part in the big picture!”

Added senior Vanessa Stedman, playing Fan: “This is my first year doing theater, wanting to experience why everyone loves this so much. After being a part of this, I quickly realized that there is so much more to it than I thought. There’s friendship, love, community, everyone comes together and becomes a family. It is so much more than acting on a stage; it’s the friends and family that comes with it.”

Junior Michael Sparks, the audio technician, said, “I’ve learned that you have to be extremely focused and at your best no matter what, or you can affect everyone’s job, not just your own. You have to be on top of your game to help everyone be at the top of theirs - because we are a team.”

“This show has a deep theme of empathy and not giving up on those who are lost. It’s heartfelt,” declared senior Lexy Holden, who plays the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Senior Gillian Simpson, who plays Scrooge’s lost love, Belle, said, “I’ve learned a lot about how to act in a professional theater situation and how to let myself have fun while in character. People should come and see this show because it will really get you into the Christmas spirit and will make you laugh, cry and smile. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, there is a lesson for everyone.”

Chandler Hanson, a freshman who is a spotlight operator, carpenter, and member of the electronics crew: “Being involved in theater takes a lot of work and practice. We’ve put in a lot of work to make this show happen, a lot of hours in to build and practice.”

“This is a beautiful show and everyone has put so much time into it,” said junior Madelyn Bjorn. “Everyone is on stage almost all the time. Everyone is busy every second, giving this production a real community feeling. Moving around the stage, the set transforms throughout the show. It is a sight to see! If you liked our musical last year, “Once On This Island,” you will love A Christmas Carol. Get ready to be part of the story.”

“I think we learn something new everyday - all of us,” said sophomore props master, Shay Bundrick. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is to open my arms to new things.”

Playing a polterer, sophomore Rida Salim, noted, “Something that I have learned about theater is to have fun, I also learned that if you are going to do theater, you need to be precise and committed.”

”Being involved in theater has helped me be more confident and put myself in other people’s shoes,” said senior Tiffany Rose, who plays Miss Rosie. “People everywhere should come see this show because it is a classic. What a perfect show to see around the holidays!”

The play will be presented December 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at 7:00 pm and December 8 and 14 at 3:00 pm.

All tickets are $14 with reserved seating. Thursday, December 12, is a special Twelfth Night price of $10. Tickets for all performances can be purchased in advance at the PHS Theatre Box Office on Thursday, December 5th: 2 - 5:30 pm; Wednesday, December 11th: 3 - 5:30 pm; Thursday, December 12th: 2 - 4:00 pm; and 2 hours prior to each show time. For more information, call the PHS Theatre Box Office at (253) 530-4570.

CORRECTION: The headline on an earlier version of this story placed the performance in the wrong high school. It is at Peninsula High.

This story was originally published December 4, 2019 at 12:00 AM.