Mill Valley actor Ron Severdia was undaunted the first time he presented the premiere of his solo adaptation of A Christmas Carol in 2006 and again in 2007 when he performed his one-man show in Europe.
The Ross Valley Players and Severdia's production company, Humbug Theatre, present an encore engagement of A Christmas Carol: A Solo Performance. Opening Dec. 11, the production is directed by Julian Lopez-Morillas and will be enhanced with magic performed live by Severdia, an accomplished magician.
Severdia says he was inspired to adapt the Dickens' novella into a solo show after re-reading A Christmas Carol as an adult.
"It's such a moving story," said Severdia. "By the time you've finished reading it you've experienced every emotion there is."
"During Dickens' time, a one-man show was more like a reading. In fact, that's the way Charles Dickens performed it for audiences, as a dramatic reading. But, I wanted to take it beyond that and present it in a more theatrical way," said Severdia. "This solo production is more of a theatrical experience, but it remains faithful to the story."At the age of nine, Severdia pursued an interest in magic. After studying and perfecting his craft, the tweener went on to work as professional magician performing for schools and private parties.
By the time he was 24-years old he had managed to earn his marketing degree, work as a copywriter and studied at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.
His final project for the ACT Academy Program culminated in a biographical performance he wrote about magician Harry Houdini. He presented his play Houdini: The Escape at the Climate Theatre in 1993. To promote the show, Severdia recreated an elaborate, daring and dangerous stunt escaping from a locked trunk submerged in the San Francisco Bay.
Severdia says his biggest hurdle when performing his solo show is the line load. "It's like climbing Mt. Everest alone," said Severdia.
Severdia hopes his solo adaptation of A Christmas Carol will become part of another holiday tradition in Marin, where audiences return year after year to experience a special and intimate version of the holiday classic.
"Who can compete with the power of the imagination? Using the imaginations of the audience members is the most powerful tool of all," said Severdia.
A Christmas Carol: A Solo Performance will be presented Dec. 11 to Dec. 24, 2008 at the Ross Valley Players' Barn Theatre in Ross. Audience members attending the Dec. 24 Christmas Eve matinee will receive a complimentary copy of "A Christmas Carol" - while supplies last.
Tickets are available online at www.rossvalleyplayers.com or call 415-456-9555.
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