Newnan Theatre Stages Comedy Version of 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL', Beginning Tonight

What would Christmas be without a performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol? Well, Newnan Theatre Company has that and more going on. Not only are they performing Newnanite Dale Lyles' A Christmas Carol: The Musical, but in their black box arena, they are also putting on a slightly different version of the perennial Christmas classic.

Starting tonight, Dec. 16th, Newnan Theatre Company will be performing The Farndale Avenue Housing Estates Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol, a raucous comedy by David McGillravey and Walter Zerlin, Jr. In this show, the ladies of the F.A.H.E.T.G.D.S. are ready to put on their annual performance of A Christmas Carol, but on opening night, everything that could go wrong does. A blizzard has shut down most of the town, leaving four intrepid ladies and the dimwitted caretaker of the building to put on the entire show. The five end up having to play numerous parts, as well as do all the set moving, sound effects, and lighting.

"When I first read the play," said director Mary Caroline Moore, "I could not stop laughing. It's the worst production of A Christmas Carol ever, but done with so much heart that you cannot help but love these ladies. Oh, and their one male counterpart. They try so hard to make things perfect, but it's just not in the cards."

The show takes place in the community center of a local village in England, where the ladies' guild has always done their "dramatic presentations." The diva of the group, Thelma Greenwood (Andi Laaker) is ready to perform her interpretation of Ebenezer Scrooge, but young Felicity (Allison Rohan Yost) and Mercedes (Lori Lewis) have much less stage experience than Thelma. Mrs. Reese (Terri Whitley), the current president of the Guild, is doing her best to keep the show going, and hapless Gordon (Tony Daniel), the caretaker and stage manager of the facility is just doing what he is told to do.

"Everyone loves to see people trying their best to make things happen," said Moore. "But people also like to see the clowns fail. And in this show, the clowns are failing miserably. And it is a sight to behold."

The show opens on Tuesday, December 16th, and runs through Sunday, December 21st. This is a slightly different schedule than the regular performances done by Newnan Theatre Company, so make sure to check your calendars. Tickets are on sale now at the box office, or can be ordered online at www.newnantheatre.org. Tickets can also be purchased by phone, by calling 770.683.6282.

Pictured rehearsing for Newnan Theatre Company's production of The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of "A Christmas Carol" are Allison Yost, Tony Daniel and Andi Laaker.

To post a comment, you must register and login.