Let the Caroling Begin

30 Oct, 2007

First rehearsal for A Christmas Carol began this morning - with what seemed like 100 people assembled in the rehearsal hall. Wesley Mann (above) will play Scrooge. Wesley has also had an illustrious television career, appearing on the children’s shows That’s So Raven and Adventures in Wonderland.

Madison Wray (above in the pink) will play Tiny Tim; and her friend Justyce Chaney (who appeared in last season’s Fences) will play one of the versions of the Ghost of Christmas past.

Dex Edwards, our set designer (A New Brain, This Wonderful Life, Batboy: the Musical) promised both a traditional take on Dickens’ tale with some major visual surprises for the audience. While he reference Cirque du Soleil - I don’t think we are actually going to see flying trapezes. Oh wait. Maybe we are.

Tim True (The Pillowman, Cat on A Hot Tin Roof, O Lovely Glowworm) plays Bob Cratchitt.

Mame Pelletier (JAW 2007) will play Mrs. Cratchitt.

Brendan Robinson (JAW 2007) plays Peter Cratchitt (among other roles) and Ana Reiselman (JAW 2007) plays an incarnation of the Ghost of Christmas Past and Dora’s sister.

Hayley Rousselle (The Pillowman) plays Mary Cratchitt and Young Belle.

Tanner Ward (The Pillowman) plays Young Ebenezer.

Ted Roisum (King Lear, Another Fine Mess, Much Ado About Nothing, The Devils) plays the Ghost of Jacob Marley.

Josiah Bania (JAW 2007) (left) plays Fred and a bunch of other roles, Ted deChatelet (King Lear) plays Fred and Ebenezer (age 30).

Todd Van Voris plays Topper, and many other roles.

Troy Van Barter (JAW 2007) plays a version of the Ghost of Christmas past, among others.

Jamie Hill is from Michigan, and is also our illustrious Stage Manager.

And Jo, one of our favorite volunteers, rounded up enough food to feed five armies for the festivities.

Rick Lewis, our Musical Arranger has pulled together period music from the late 19th Century which sounds delicious and beautiful. Can’t wait.

published in Portland Center Stage

5 comments

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kristans said in 10-31-2007 @ 12:00:23

Holy moly! So many kids running around the place. Kids eating lunch. Kids singing at each other. Kids doing choreographed dance routines in the canteen to “Crank that” by Soulja Boy (children grow up so talented these days).

And for the record, Wesley Mann is soooooo Raven. Seriously.

Kathy B said in 11-1-2007 @ 08:17:51

The energy around the office the past couple of days has been amazing with ALL of the actors from Cabaret, Underpants and Christmas Carol in the building. It’s like having all the kids home for Thanksgiving break. Who knew work could be so much fun?

S.K. Myhre said in 11-26-2007 @ 22:21:24

I’d like to know about long the play is, so I can make restaurant reservations. Can you help me?

thomt said in 11-27-2007 @ 11:46:25

this is always a moving target as we lead up to opening night, S.K., but A Christmas Carol is looking like right at 2 hours with one intermission at the moment. Thanks for the question and we’ll see you at the show!

Justyce's Grandma Louise said in 11-30-2007 @ 20:12:12

I really enjoyed Christmas Carol…good fun, much laughter,a wonderful, creative set and enjoyable music! Justyce you were so good at portraying “Want” that grandpa and I almost stood up to give you money! We love you!