Not Your Parent's Christmas Carol A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol has become a Seattle holiday tradition since it opened in 1985 at the Old Pioneer Square Theater. Unexpected Productions' Artistic Director, Randy Dixon created the show and has played Scrooge in most of the performances.
Dixon is one of the most experienced improvisational artists in the Northwest. He has appeared on television, film and local stages. In 1983, he was a founding member of Unexpected Productions. He has served as the Artistic Director of Unexpected Productions since 1988. He has conceived, directed, and acted in thousands of shows.
Unlike other productions of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge doesn't get to rely on a script. The audience creates the story every performance. Dixon and the cast have to incorporate 20-30 audience suggestions to recreate the plot and nuance the story.
"I have always loved the story of A Christmas Carol, and I thought what if the audience could inject their own lives into this timeless story." explains Dixon. "I still have the sheet of college ruled paper on which I did the first draft of how the show would work."
The show has evolved over the years. Dixon has directed each production, but has not always played the miser role. "There have been many fine Scrooges, ladies included. I have also played other roles in the show."
"The fun challenge for the cast is to incorporate the 20 odd audience suggestions, meld them with the plot of A Christmas Carol, and tell a believable story."
This year, Dixon's Scrooge has already had many different careers instead of an accountant; he has been a nanny, zoo keeper and a music recording agent, just to name few. Tiny Tim's afflictions have changed from pink eye to shingles, or not having any chromosomes. The audience even decides if Scrooge changes, or not. These are just a few of the suggestions that change nightly.
"It is challenging remembering everything. It's a wild ride every night as I am onstage almost the entire show. If I forget a suggestion there is a wonderful free fall. Fortunately the cast takes care of me," said Dixon.
The production has evolved since its first presentation. "Many little things have been fined tuned over the years. The suggestions we get from the audience. The structure of the show and when get the suggestions. But, we always stay true to the spirit of the story. That is my favorite part of the entire show," said Dixon.
We are honored earning those serious moments in the midst of the comedic ones, really affecting people. They are so familiar with the story but it's in a new package and I love seeing the surprise. Dixon concluded.
The additional cast of solid improvisers include: Tony Beeman, as the ghosts, Michael Bils as Crachit or Marley/Fred, Jeannine Clarke as Tiny Tim, Paul Levy as Fezziwig or Scrooge - Cheryl Platz as Belle, Laurel Ryan as Marley and Sarah Scheller as Belle.
DETAILS:
What: A(n Improvised) Christmas Carol
Who: Unexpected Productions
Where: Unexpected Productions' Market Theater. 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA, WA 98102
Tickets: $5-$15
Buy:
http://www.eventbrite.com/o/an-improvised-christmas-carol-6900232869
Dates:
Thursday, Dec 18, 2014 8:30pm
Friday, Dec 19, 2014 8:30pm
Saturday, Dec 20, 2014 8:30pm
Sunday, Dec 21, 2014 7:00pm
Monday, Dec 22, 2014 8:30pm
Tuesday, Dec 23, 2014 8:30pm
Friday, Dec 26, 2014 8:30pm
Saturday, Dec 27, 2014 8:30pm
"There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor." - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
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