Classic story turns unique with twist on holiday theme
by Michael Kraft, entertainment editor

    The NE Playhouse will give audience members something new this year—A Christmas Carol, a classic but with a unique twist.
    Instead of the traditional format of the show, this play is actually a play within a play.

    The show takes place in the ’30s and features a touring theatre troupe that has just befallen a run of bad luck.

    While traveling at night by train, the cars containing their props, sets and costumes are somehow uncoupled.

    On top of that, the lead actors have abandoned the show to pursue careers in radio.

    However, the show must go on with various crew members filling in for the departed cast members.

    Raquel Bell plays the stage manager who is forced into the role of Scrooge.

    “She is pressed into the role because she knows all the lines and has about the same personality as Scrooge. She is made up to be a man, but is reluctant to do the show because she hates actors,” Doug Davidson, director, said.

    “However, she changes her views and soon comes to really like it,” he said.

    “This is the largest role I’ve had here, and I thought it would be a little nerve-wracking at first, but it has been a really great experience,” Bell said.

    Another crew member forced into action is Ember Harris who plays the embattled prop-boy who becomes Tiny Tim.

    “This is the second play in which I’ve played a man,” she said. “And I’m having a blast. The cast and crew are really great.”
    Josh Colson is the troupe’s director who has to become Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s dead partner.

    “This is my first TCC play. I did some European street theatre and some high-school theatre, but this is a different experience. I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said.

    Other actors include Tonya Stapleton, Stephen Levall, Sarah Trimble, Sarah Phillips, Adam Dapkus, Jennifer Dodd, James Fryar, Eric Cherry and James Warila.

    Davidson believes this version of A Christmas Carol will be a treat for the audiences.

    “The play is structured in a seamless flow. It has been geared so that the audience feels like privileged observers of a rehearsal that slowly becomes a play. And by the end, they are watching a fully realized play,” he said.

    “This is going to be a different Christmas Carol than the audience has ever seen,” he said.

    The show runs Tuesday-Saturday, Nov. 27-Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee.

    Call 817-515-6687 for reservations.