Brett Johnson marks milestone with enchanting adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’
What happens when Charles Dickens and his solicitor gather on Christmas Eve to read the author’s latest work aloud? The characters come to life as never before!
The Mercyhurst Theatre Program rings in the holidays Nov. 21-24 with “A Dickens of a Carol,” an enchanting new version of Dickens’ beloved classic, directed by Dr. Brett D. Johnson, who celebrates his 40th production since taking the helm of the Mercyhurst Theatre Program in 2013.
Conceived by award-winning playwright and historian Dr. Mary Barile, who also adapted “Through the Looking-Glass,” “The Canterville Ghost,” “Anne of Green Gables,” and “Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad: An Erie Ghost Story” for the Mercyhurst Theatre program, the play received its world premiere at Mercyhurst University’s Taylor Little Theatre in December 2019.
Set on Christmas Eve, 1843, Dickens invites Thomas Mitton, his dear friend and solicitor to whom he eventually bequeathed the original manuscript of “A Christmas Carol,” over to celebrate the successful publication of the book, which had been released on December 19. Dickens implores Mitton to stay and read the story aloud, and the two friends find themselves drawn into the narrative, bringing the tale's unforgettable characters to life in Dickens’ own study.
Besides Johnson, the creative team includes scenic designer Tucker Topel, lighting designer Madeleine Steineck, costume designer Kim Brown, puppet designer Aaron White, choreographer Jennifer McNamara, dialect coach Tom Schaller, stage manager Rosie Pregler Hitt, and assistant stage managers Kat Kanazin and Alex Krivoshein.
The company is led by guest artists Dr. Doug Powers as Ebenezer Scrooge and Owen Hitt ’18 in the dual roles of Charles Dickens and Bob Cratchit. Starring alongside them is a talented ensemble of 24 Mercyhurst students, including Brenna O’Connor (Dickens’ Maid), Johnathon Morvay (Thomas Mitton), Nicole French (Mrs. Bentwistle/Mrs. Fezziwig), Noah Beiter (Minister/Young Scrooge), Eric Page (Fred), Zachary Yeager (Minister #1), Gabby Schmidt (Minister #2), Muriel Zollinger (Young Boy/Dick), Shane Dexter (Jacob Marley), Ali Forsythe (Ghost of Christmas Past), Maya Post (Fan/Laundress), Sophia Sidorowicz (Fern/Fred’s Wife), Mekenzie Rowland (Flora/Fred’s Sister-in-Law), Bella Mitlo (Fanny/Charwoman), Hannah Yonkers (Belle/Ghost of Christmas Future), Michael Harper (Ghost of Christmas Present), Abby Craig (Mrs. Cratchit), Bridget Gedeon (Belinda), Maddy Grieco (Martha), Susan Vera (Woman #1), Kate Bentley (Woman #2), Victoria Brown (Woman #3), Jadzia Johnson (Want), and Olivia Sparks (Ignorance). Rounding out the company is Nolin Hurley as Tiny Tim.
Performances are Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 21-23, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre on the Mercyhurst campus.
Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and non-Mercyhurst students, and $5 for youth and Mercyhurst students with I.D. Each order is subject to a $1.50 per ticket processing fee, regardless of purchase or payment method.
All performances are general admission, with doors opening 30 minutes prior to curtain.
Patrons can reserve their tickets online at miac.universitytickets.com, by phone at 814-824-3000 (Tues.-Thurs., noon to 5 p.m.), or at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office. Tickets will also be on sale at Taylor Little Theatre beginning 90 minutes before curtain.
The production runs approximately 80 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for ages 10 and older.
For more information, visit miac.mercyhurst.edu.