Scrooge takes stage at Old Barn Theatre
“Bah!” said Scrooge, “Humbug!” “Christmas a humbug, Uncle!” said Scrooge’s nephew. “You don’t mean that, I am sure.” – A Christmas Carol.
With the Christmas season upon us, the Old Barn Community Theatre is providing northern Utahns with the opportunity to find some Christmas spirit.
The Barn will be presenting a stage adaptation of Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” from Friday, Dec. 2 through Saturday, Dec. 17.
Marc Jensen, the director of the play, said the show offers much to be excited about. The story follows Ebenezer Scrooge (Ralph Pitcher) as he comes in contact with his long-dead business partner Jacob Marley (Jacob Thompson). Marley sends Scrooge three hair-raising ghosts that take him into his past, present and possible future. The tale ends with a changed Scrooge filled with the Christmas spirit and love for his fellowman.
The tale, originally published in 1843, has been a staple of American film and theater ever since.
“I have endeavored in this ghostly little book, to raise the ghost of an idea, which shall not put my readers out of humor with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it,” Dickens said. In addition to a varied and extensive cast, there will also be a pit orchestra and chorus to accompany the performance and provide background atmosphere.
The Old Barn Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that draws from local talent. Each year they present four productions, three of which are musicals.
The Old Barn Theatre is located in Collinston, Utah, a town just off Highway 30 almost in the center of Box Elder County. The show will be performed each Friday, Saturday and Monday through Dec. 17.
Tickets prices are $6 for those 12 and under and 60 or over and $7 for everyone else. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., each of the nights with two matinees provided at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 and 17.
In addition to the regularly scheduled show times, the Old Barn Community Theatre will also have a Christmas Gala – a buffet dinner and show – on Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 each or $25 a couple. The proceeds from the gala will help continue to fund the theater and allow it to continue its operations.
-nebutler@cc.usu.edu