BWW Interviews: Potomac Playmakers to Present Non-Traditional Christmas Tale in JACOB MARLEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL

Everyone has seen or heard Charles Dicken's beloved holiday tale A Christmas Carol in various theatrical adaptations. The story of miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge who changes his miserable ways after receiving visits from three ghosts on Christmas Eve is a class Christmas tale. But have you ever heard the story from Jacob Marley's point of view?

The Potomac Playmaker's production of Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, directed by Charles Kopack, will open December 5 at the Hagerstown Women's Club in Hagerstown, MD. The show tells the story of A Christmas Carol, but from Jacob Marley, Scrooge's best friend and business partner's, point of view

Audiences are familiar with the "dreadful apparition" wrapped in chains who visits Scrooge on Christmas Eve. Marley warns Scrooge of the horrible consequences if Scrooge does not listen to the three spirits Marley is sending to help him and change his ways. But as it turns out, there is much more to Marley's story than that single ghostly encounter. The four actors in Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol portray many well-known figures in the famous yuletide story

"Each actor is playing multiple characters, as many as six, each with a distinct voice and characterization. It's a bit of a challenge to make each character unique. The actors are not simply acting out the show, but rather act in narrating the story" said Jim Zuna, who plays Mr. Cratchit and various characters.

"I think the most challenging aspect of this show is the storytelling aspect. Each of the actors has to jump back and forth between characters, in addition to narrating the show" said Caitlin Cremins, who plays Bogle and other characters.

"Audiences will be pleasantly surprised by how each cast member has created characters who can be imagined and remembered. We are true storytellers because as we act out our multiple parts, we are narrating the story as well" said Ralph Mauriello, who plays Scrooge and various characters.

Since only four actors are involved in the production and required to play dozens of characters, a close relationship quickly formed to bring the familiar story to life.

"The most enjoyable part of this rehearsal process for me has been watching each of the actors develop these incredibly unique characters. The caliber of talent is truly impressive" said Cremins.

"There are no sets, no costumes and five different characters to play, but any doubts have been erased by the quality of the cast and confidence of our director" said Brian Heinrich, who plays Jacob Marley and various characters.

"This has been the smoothest rehearsal process I've gone through. The performers in the cast are seasoned professionals who know what they're doing onstage" said Zuna.

Further departing from the typical productions of A Christmas Carol featuring lavish historical costumes and sets, Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol is a minimalist production, with no elaborate sets and simple costuming.

"The most challenging aspect of this show is the nontraditional way it has to be done. There is much left to the imagination of those who view our performances, which makes this very exciting" said Mauriello."Everyone knows the tradition Dickens tale, but this adaptation really makes you think about the story and the lessons in a completely different way. It's quite thought provoking. And it's a blast!" said Cremins.

The Potomac Playmaker performers are eager to share this re-imagined production with an audience just in time for the holiday season.

"The audience will see behind the scenes of Scrooge's redemption and learn that Marley is so much more than a ghostly visitation who is doomed to walk the spirit world in chains. They will also receive a generous dose of Christmas spirit for the holidays!" said Heinrich

"This show is a unique retelling of an all-time Christmas tale. Everyone has grown up with A Christmas Carol in many incarnations. Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol tells the story from a different perspective by detailing Jacob Marley's role in the "reclamation" of Ebenezer Scrooge. It turns out that Marley's tale of redemption may be even more meaningful! Ultimately, it is a reminder of the power of the human spirit and the magic of Christmas!" said Zuna

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol will run December 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 7:00 PM and December 7 and 14 at 2:00 PM. Tickets for all performances are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. All performances occur at the Hagerstown Women's Club at 31 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown, MD. For more information about Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol or the Potomac Playmakers, please visit www.potomacplaymakers.org.

Photo Credit: Potomac Playmakers

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