Bah Humbug Meets Christmas Cheer at SIC Nov. 18-20
Southeastern Illinois College Theatre is bringing an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most well-known story to life and putting everyone in the holiday spirit this year. A Christmas Carol, The Musical, is coming to SIC’s Allan G. Kimball Stage Nov. 18-20.
In the story, Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
“A Christmas Carol is something the whole family can enjoy,” said show director and theatre instructor, Gareth York. “Auditions brought in actors from all over the area, and there is a lot of talent here. We also have three children in the cast from Golconda, Marion, and Harrisburg.”
The show brings in talented actors from all around Southern Illinois: Benton, Carmi, Eldorado, Galatia, Gallatin County, Golconda, Hardin County, Harrisburg, Herod, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ozark, Pope County, Stonefort, and Vienna.
Some of the main characters include Scrooge, played by Connor Fauset of Benton; Cratchit, played by Bentley Lynch of Harrisburg; Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Chanton Lee of Pope County; Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Addison Bean of Gallatin County; Ghost of Christmas Future, played by Courtney Boulds of Harrisburg; and Tiny Tim, played by Shelby Burford of Marion.
Ryan Wilson of Harrisburg, a freshman at SIC, is playing young Scrooge and Fred Anderson. He has been in nearly 20 production over the years at the college.
“I’m most excited about the dancing and just the overall Christmas vibes in this show,” said Wilson. “I’ve also made a lot of new friends from other places, too.”
SIC music instructor Cory Garmane is directing the music for the show. He said, “This show is among my favorite shows we’ve worked on at SIC. The storyline is a classic, but the music adds a whole new dimension. The musical is scored by the legendary Alan Menken, who composed the music for some of the biggest Disney films of 90’s and early 00’s, with lyrics by celebrated lyricist Lynn Ahrens. The students are doing an incredible job of bringing this story to life. It is a joy to see the work these students produce.”
Lighting design is by Allan Kimball of Benton; Choreography is by Hannah Drake, Ethan Bordoy, and Madison Hall, all of Harrisburg; and the spotlight operator is Heather McDonald of Harrisburg. The stage manager is Callie Smith of Eldorado, the student assistant director is Omari Jackson of Mt. Vernon, and the assistant sound operator is Neva Wasson of Harrisburg. Costume design is by Janet Hart, and John Hart of Hart’s Music in Harrisburg will provide sound.
A Christmas Carol, The Musical was originally presented by Radio City Entertainment at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The show will be performed in the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center Theatre Nov. 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Reserved seating is $10 for adults and $8 for students, staff and seniors. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 618-252-5400, ext. 2486 or 618-841-4649 or emailing boxoffice@sic.edu.
As of Nov. 4, there were still holiday dinner tickets available before the Saturday show – a fundraiser for the SIC Foundation to benefit student scholarships and support. Dinner by Chef Michael Intravaia includes carved ham, cranberry bourbon stuffed pork loin, rosemary potatoes, green bean almondine, salad, rolls, and pies. The cost is $25 per person, which includes the show ticket. To purchase dinner tickets, visit bidpal.net/SICholiday2022. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased in advance.
Raffle tickets are also available on bidpal.net/SICholiday2022 for a chance to win a highly sought after 30-inch firepit by the SIC Welding department with all the essentials needed for a fall evening gathered around the fire, as well as gift cards to local businesses. The estimated value for the prize is over $1,000, and the winner will be chosen live on Facebook Monday, Nov. 21 at 11:30 a.m. Raffle tickets can also be purchased in the SIC bookstore and at every showing of A Christmas Carol.
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