Don't Be a Humbug!

Studio Players present:
Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
by Tom Mula


"Scrooge? I have to redeem old Scrooge? The one man I knew who was worse than I was? Impossible!" So begins the real story behind Dickens' A Christmas Carol - the story of Jacob Marley's heroic behind-the-scenes efforts to save old Scrooge's soul (and in the process, save his own). 

Carly Preston is directing Studio Players’ presentation of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, which opens tomorrow night at the Carriage House. When asked how this version varies from the Dickens original, she explains “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol tells the story of Jacob Marley, while Dickens' tale focuses on Scrooge. It is kind of like the backstage version of Dickens' story. It's the behind the scenes look at how and why Jacob Marley visits Scrooge in the first place. It also connects the two business partners and explores their relationship as well.”


Preston points out that she and her assistant director "gathered and read every piece of literary theory and criticism they could find that focused on Dickens the man, his life and works, The Christmas Carol history and story itself, as well as reading all of the staged versions and adaptations of the original. We also watched every film version we could find. We did extensive research on Tom Mula as well as the production history of Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol.”

While she has not been involved with any other incarnation of the Dickens classic, she states, “I'm not much for kitchen-sink realism or traditional theatre. I enjoy different perspectives, and especially avant garde theatre that challenges its audiences.”

Preston is pleased to be working again with Studio Players, where she previously directed Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music and Love, Sex, & the IRS.

Over the last 12 years, Carly has directed, assistant directed, and acted as tech support for many productions throughout the area. Preston received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown College in 2001 and a Master of Arts-Theatre degree from the University of Kentucky in 2007.  She's grateful for the support of Lisa Whitaker, who has acted as her assistant director and confidante for each Studio Players show.

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
This irreverent, funny and ultimately, deeply moving story retells Dicken's classic with warmth and infectious zest. Preston points out that Bogle uses a laser light during the show and that has provided endless laughs.

At the rehearsal on Monday night, the players gathered beforehand to iron out a few wrinkles, but were ready to get on stage and begin the show right at 8:00 p.m. Bob Singleton’s Bogle, the hell-sprite, begins the show by borrowing the famous Munchkin line, explaining that Marley is “not only merely dead, he’s really most sincerely dead!” Thereafter, Marley’s spirit, as well as all the other characters are dogged by the gravelly voiced Bogle, who continues to entertain throughout the show in his role as a pesky hellion and sarcastic bystander.

Will Marley be able to redeem Scrooge so that he may proceed to the after-life after-party? Or will the chains they forged in life continue to tether them to the netherworld below? The answers to these questions and more will be revealed by the Studio Players cast and crew beginning tomorrow night at the Carriage House. Why not enter the world of Scrooge, Marley and company to see what happens?  There’s always the hope of redemption during this Season…so bring your Christmas spirit, no matter what condition it’s in!  

Cast:
Actor 1 (Marley, et al)............................Bill Nichols
Actor 2 (Bogle, et al).............................Bob Singleton

Actor 3 (Scrooge, et al)........................Greg Jones

Actor 4 (Recordkeeper, et al)..............Eddie Salone


Don’t be a HUMBUG- join Studio Players' Winter Donations Drive!
Bring new gloves and hats for children, gently used children’s coats, or canned/boxed foods when you come to the show and be entered in a drawing to win FREE Studio Players tickets! Donations will be accepted on performance days, beginning 1 1/2 hours before show time, during the run of the show. All proceeds are tax-deductible and benefit the Blue Grass Farms Chaplaincy, a local non-profit organization: http://www.bgfcky.com/

Production Dates:  November 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29,

December 4, 5, 6, 2009

*Due to high ticket sales, Studio Players have added an 8pm performance
for Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

Opening night, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8:00pm;

Sunday matinee performances begin at 2:30 pm

The Carriage House Theatre is located at 154 W. Bell Ct.

Ticket Prices:  All performances $15.00  - Students $10.00

Studio Players accepts all major credit cards at the box office, as well as cash or check.

Please note: you will need to arrive at the carriage house 15 minutes before the performance time. In the event that the performance is sold out, Studio Players reserves the right to sell unclaimed reserved seats at that time.  For reservations please call (859) 225-0370 or purchase tickets online.