Play and Lyrics by Richard Wade
Music by Richard Gessner
Directed by Sarah Wade
Produced by Tim Brown, Tom Stuckey
Performance dates:
December 6 - 16, 2018
Run time: 90m
(no intermission)
This classic production takes place, as Mr. Dickens himself would have it, in the streets of Victorian London and in the counting house and bedchamber of Ebenezer Scrooge. In the revelations of his visitors and in his memory, we are transported to times and places of Scrooge's past, present, and future. A Christmas Carol has been produced by Colonial Players of Annapolis since 1981.
To download the production postcard for A Christmas Carol to share with your friends, visit the Downloads page of our website and look under the Production Postcard heading. A PDF of the playbill is also available in the same location under the Production Playbills heading!
About the Director
Sarah Wade is extremely pleased to be making her directorial debut with A Christmas Carol. Having first appeared on the CP stage in the 2000 production as the Turkey Boy at the age of 10, she has performed in ACC 11 times, playing Martha Cratchit, Belle (twice), the Charwoman (twice), and ensemble roles. She was most recently seen on stage in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, winning a Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) acting award for her performance as Honey. Before that, she performed as Gabriella in Boeing, Boeing; Cecily Cardew in Ernest in Love (WATCH nominated); Isabelle/Sabine in The Liar (WATCH nominated); Catherine Donohue in These Shining Lives; Star-to-Be in Annie; Jessica in Communicating Doors; and Kitty in Taking Steps. She has also served as sound designer for Sex with Strangers, Calendar Girls, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Side Man, and Watch on the Rhine. She would like to offer some thanks. “To those who have mentored me, Lois and Steve, thank you for all you have taught me and your patience in doing so. To Debbie, for being the best play consultant I could have asked for. To Eric, for doing this show and for being supportive in those secret moments when I don't know what I'm doing. To Lindsay, I love you, thank you for cleaning up after my messes. To my father, as this torch is passed, thank you for supporting me, believing in me, and encouraging me. I hope you like it."
About the Adapter/Lyricist
Rick Wade has been writing, directing, and occasionally performing for Maryland theaters for more than 40 years. In addition to A Christmas Carol, written in 1981, he has authored the plays and lyrics for eight other musicals produced locally and regionally. He has directed for the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Bay Theatre, Compass Rose Theater, and other companies, including nearly 30 dramas, comedies, and musicals for The Colonial Players. Last season, he appeared as Reggie in the comedy/drama Quartet. He is proud to have served for five years as CP’s president and for many years on its Board of Directors. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Arnold and are particularly happy that their daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Eric Hufford, are active Colonial Players members.
About the Composer
Dick Gessner collaborated with Rick Wade to write the music for A Christmas Carol and also wrote music for Wade’s adaptations of children’s musicals Pinocchio, Puss ‘n Boots, Rumpelstiltskin, and Treasure Island. A popular entertainer in the Annapolis area for many years, Gessner is now retired and living in Florida. He served as musical director for many productions in Maryland, including Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, and My Fair Lady at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and Little Mary Sunshine; The Apple Tree; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; The Contrast; and Carnival at Colonial Players.
About the Choreographer
Lindsay Zetter returns for her second production of A Christmas Carol, and her fourth musical with The Colonial Players, having also served as choreographer for Ernest in Love and Lucky Stiff. Classically trained in ballet since age three, she loved choreographing as soon as she knew the steps. Since receiving a degree in arts management from Indiana University, she has been associate artistic director of Academy Ballet School since 2011 and is the dance director at The Key School. She has staged and choreographed ballet productions of Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. Other productions include Once Upon a Mattress, Cats, Grease, Chicago, The Addams Family, and Annapolis Opera’s Faust. She is thrilled to be working with Sarah Wade (one of her oldest friends) and wishes her the best on her directorial debut.
About the Music Director
Emma Godfrey is is thrilled to join The Colonial Players for the first time as music director for A Christmas Carol. Emma is a music teacher at Brooklyn Park Middle School, a drama teacher at Gotta Sing Gotta Dance Musical Theatre Workshop, and a private piano and voice teacher. She holds degrees in vocal performance and music education from Alderson Broaddus University. She has music directed for several shows, including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Bridgeport High School), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Jr., and Guys and Dolls Jr. (Brooklyn Park Middle School). She has accompanied numerous choirs and soloists in Maryland and West Virginia.
Director's Notes
I was born in 1989. Seven years before that, A Christmas Carol first appeared on our stage, a product of love, determination, and the sheer belief of the cast and crew that this musical was something special. And they were right. From 1982 until 2008, Colonial Players mounted this show every year, to sold out audiences, and every other year since then. It is a very surreal feeling to be writing these words. At 10, I played the Turkey Boy. At 16, I played Belle for the first time. And at 23, I returned from a hiatus away (after college, and then some time away), and met a stranger who would eventually become my husband. Weird, huh? Thanks, Dad! But I digress.
What is it about this show that brings people back year after year? It's because the story remains so meaningful. It reinforces the belief that we can change; that it's still possible to become a better person; that redemption in our hearts and the eyes of others is attainable for us all. I believe that this theme is the most important because it applies to us all. A fundamental part of our humanity is having faith in ourselves and in others, especially during the holidays. But I think my father took it a step further when he wrote for Scrooge: "Me, Ebenezer Scrooge, I shall indeed keep Christmas all the year long!" It's not about being a better person for a season. It's about keeping the spirit of kindness, generosity, and compassion throughout the year. I think in these times, it's more important than ever to keep these values alive in our hearts.
When I was away at college, getting close to the holidays, but feeling a little homesick, I would listen to “Bless Us All,” one of my favorite songs from this show. I leave you with the verse that brought me particular comfort:
“You can go from post to pillar,
Home is where you go to stay.
Bless us all.”
Bless us, everyone.
- SARAH WADE
The Cast
Susanne Anderson (Soliciter One) - Suzanne is delighted to make her Colonial Players debut in A Christmas Carol. After a 12-year hiatus from acting, she is thrilled to be “back in the saddle” again! She began performing at a young age, growing up in Los Angeles, mostly in theater, but sprinkled with print, film, and television for good measure. Some favorite shows include Fools, Sing On, Move Over Mrs. Markham, and A Christmas Carol. While musicals and comedies were her favorites, her greatest joy came from performing with her three children. She would like to thank Sarah for the opportunity to join this talented cast and crew. “Love and gratitude to my favorite husband, Greg, and my wonderful kiddos for encouraging me!”
Paul Banville (Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come/Bump Man) - Paul returns for his second show at The Colonial Players after portraying Chandler Harris in the 2017 production of The City of Conversation. At that time, he had recently relocated from New England when David Carter suggested he audition for director Reuben Vellecoop. He appreciated the welcoming community spirit he found at CP and is happy to be back on stage here. Paul has been sighted singing (unpaid!) at Middletown’s piano bar crooning, “The Way You Look Tonight.”
Barbara Bartos (Laundress) - Barbara last appeared in the 2016 production of A Christmas Carol as The Laundress. Prior to that she played Lady Bracknell in CP’s production of Ernest in Love, for which she received a Washington Area Theatre Community Honors nomination for best featured actress in a musical. Barbara’s past theatrical experience includes performing as a featured singer with the British Embassy Gilbert & Sullivan Society in Washington and in a number of off-off Broadway showcases in roles including Toby in The Gingerbread Lady and The Dancer in Feiffer’s People. Her past regional theater roles include Aldonza in Man of La Mancha. Barbara is a member of the Naval Academy Chapel Chorale and is president of Speakers.com, a celebrity speakers bureau which she co-founded with her husband and partner, Glenn. She is delighted to be back on stage playing with Sarah Wade and this fantastic cast of A Christmas Carol. “Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!!!”
Kaelynn Bedsworth (Mrs. Cratchit) - Kaelynn is delighted to be back on stage in Mrs. Cratchit's mob-cap. You may have seen her as Mrs. Cratchit in the 2014 production of A Christmas Carol, or as Belle/Fred's wife in 2012. A few of her other on-stage credits at CP include The Secret Garden (Alice), Annie (Grace Farrell), 1776 (Martha Jefferson), and Moonlight and Magnolias (Miss Poppenghul). Behind the scenes, she has produced, costume designed, sound designed, scene painted, and seam sewed for many a show over the last eight years. Kaelynn currently serves as treasurer on The Colonial Players Board of Directors. She sends love to her husband, family, and all of you out there who are keeping Christmas every day!
Danny Brooks (Ebenezer Scrooge) - Danny is reprising the role he played at The Colonial Players in 2008. Of his 23 previous appearances on our stage, his favorite roles include Scrooge (naturally), John Hancock (1776), Martin (Incorruptible), Niels Bohr (Copenhagen), and Chater (Arcadia). Thanks to Sarah for giving him the chance to enjoy playing this wonderful character once again. Additional thanks to Mary Ann for recruiting him to his very first production in 1978. ("There's a role we still haven't cast; it's a pompous French banker, and everyone thinks you'd be great.").
Carol Cohen (Laundress) - Carol is not a newcomer to CP or to A Christmas Carol. She had the honor to be in the 1983 production and several since. Recent CP productions: The Cripple of Inishmaan; Morning’s at Seven; Bell, Book and Candle; and Queen of the Northern Monkeys. Some favorite roles at other theaters include Ruth (Collected Stories), Golda (Fiddler on the Roof), Betty (The Foreigner), and Kate (Broadway Bound). She has performed in musicals and plays at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, Dignity Players, Standing O Productions, Theatre 11, Chesapeake Music Hall, Axis Theatre, Vagabond Theatre, Spotlighters, and Church Hill Summer Stock on the Eastern Shore. Carol is delighted to be in the cast of A Christmas Carol.
Mackenzie Currie (Belinda Cratchit/Fanny) - Mackenzie is thrilled to be performing in this show again at The Colonial Players! Mackenzie is an 8th grader at Severn River Middle School, and she is proudly a member of her school dance team and the National Junior Honor Society. She most recently performed in Beauty and the Beast and Madagascar -- A Musical Adventure JR. with Children’s Theatre of Annapolis. She is most fond of playing Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at The Colonial Players and Marta in the Broadway National Tour of Sound of Music. In addition to acting and singing, Mackenzie trains in dance and acoustic guitar. She would like to thank Sarah Wade, all of the cast, and the creative team for this memorable experience, and she is very grateful for her coaches and teachers. Love to Mom, Dad, and Tyler.
Doug Dillner (Undertaker’s Man, Party Guest) - This performance will be Dr. D’s 11th participation in The Colonial Players’ A Christmas Carol. Over the years he has played many of the roles (Scrooge, Marley, Fezzywig, Undertaker’s Man, and various smaller parts) and, who knows, may be cast as Tiny Tim next time (feasible goal?). Tonight, he will be reprising his role as Marley’s Ghost. Dr. D. thanks God for the gifts He has given him to be able to bring acting for your enjoyment. Also, but not at all least, thanks to his wife, Deb, for her support in this venture. Without it, he would be unable to be here with you. As you are leaving, please let him know what you thought of his delineation of the character of Marley. “Enjoy your time with us. Peace, and God bless you.”
Walker Dixon (Peter Cratchit) - Walker is excited to be in his second production with The Colonial Players after appearing as Peter Cratchit in the production of A Christmas Carol two years ago. He is a junior at Annapolis High School and is involved with the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program and the Drama Company there. Recent productions include portraying Steve and being a student director in Almost, Maine (Annapolis High School), Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, (Annapolis High School), Prentiss in Peter and The Starcatcher (PVA Magnet Program), Durdles/Nick Cricker in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (The Talent Machine), Pugsley Addams in The Addams Family (Anne Arundel Community College), Glad Hand in West Side Story (Annapolis High School), as well as numerous productions in the Charlotte, NC area. Walker would like to thank Sarah, Tom, Lindsay, and the rest of the production team for giving him the opportunity be a part of this local tradition again. Happy Holidays everyone!
Dean Fisher (Bob Cratchit) - This is Dean’s second stage role ever. His first was as Bob Cratchit in the 2014 version of A Christmas Carol. Dean’s annual reading of A Christmas Carol to his three children has been the highlight of his holiday seasons these past 20 years or so. Dean is honored to once again have been selected for the role of Bob Cratchit and raises his cup to all who have supported, indulged, and enabled his desire to be in this play. “Bless us all!”
Ethan Goldberg (Undertaker's Man) - Ethan is extremely proud to be returning to The Colonial Players after a three-year hiatus from the stage! He has been seen in many roles all across Maryland such as Lt. Branigan in AACC’s production of Guys and Dolls, Captain James Wilcox in 2nd Star’s production of A Soldier’s Play, Paul Mann in the Laurel Mills Playhouse rendition of Rent, and Durdles in ASGT’s production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Ethan’s CP roles include Jan Warrick in The Unexpected Guest, Philliste in The Liar, and Corporal Howard in A Few Good Men. Ethan loves this theater and couldn't be happier being back doing what he loves. He gives a special shout out to the company Rams Head for allowing him time off to participate in this show! He dedicates this show to the number one lady in his life, his Mom. “Love you, Mom. Thank you for all that you do.” Lastly, Ethan wishes everyone a special Merry Christmas, but most importantly, a Happy Chanukah!
Trevor Greenfield (Nephew Fred/Young Scrooge) - Trevor is excited to return to The Colonial Players this Christmas season! A local performer and music director since 2015, Trevor's recent credits include David Shayne in Bullets Over Broadway at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre and serving as music director for Children’s Theatre of Annapolis and Theatre in the Park. Trevor teaches K-5 general music for Anne Arundel County schools as well as private lessons at Music & Arts. He would like to thank his friends, family, and Lauren for their support and the entire CP team for their talent, dedication, and hard work. “Merry Christmas to all!”
Duncan Hood (Mr. Fezziwig/Party Guest) - Duncan is so glad to be performing in A Christmas Carol back at his home theater, Colonial Players. Duncan was last seen here as Carl in Morning’s at Seven. Over the past 20 years, his roles include: Dr. Chausible in Ernest in Love; Clown 1 in 39 Steps; George in Moon over Buffalo; Scrooge in A Christmas Carol; Emcee in Cabaret; Flint in Something’s Afoot; The Man in 52 Pickup; The Playwright in Enter the Guardsman; van Sweiten in Amadeus; Jethro Crouch in Sly Fox; Michael in Dancing at Lughnasa; The Narrator in Blood Brothers; Inspector Rough in Angel Street; Hysterium twice and Pseudolus once in three productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Major General in two productions of Pirates of Penzance; Pap in Big River; Porter and Ross in Macbeth; and Dr. Kalmar in Studio Theater’s production of A New Brain. Duncan also has numerous credits in voiceovers, films, and video games. He has been an international sailing instructor trainer for the American Sailing Association for 28 years and holds a 100 ton USCG Master’s License.
Eric Hufford (Ghost of Christmas Present) - Eric is happy to be back for his third performance of A Christmas Carol. His most recent theater credit is as director of CP's spring musical, Lucky Stiff. You may have also seen him as Jerry Lukowski in The Full Monty at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre. Favorite roles at The Colonial Players include Jack Worthing in Ernest in Love, Leslie Bainbridge in Taking Steps, and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. He has also played Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at AACC. “I'd like to thank Sarah for her wonderful patience and love.”
Anna Grace Keller (Belinda Cratchit) - Anna Grace is ecstatic to return to the CP stage for her second appearance in A Christmas Carol. She feels honored to be a part of one of Annapolis’ favorite traditions. Anna Grace is an 11th grade student at Severna Park High School and has been involved with various productions there, including the annual Rock ‘n Roll Revival. Outside of theater, she is a varsity player on her school’s field hockey team, a ski racer, an honors student, and a volunteer in the Shock Trauma Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Anna Grace would like to thank her parents Lyn and Paul, and her sisters Maddy-Kate and Cabrey for being her number one supporters and best friends.
Emma Miller (Ghost of Christmas Past) - This is Emma's first time on stage, and she is thrilled to be playing the same role that her sister Holly played in the 2012 production. She is also excited to be able to share the stage with her mom, Lesley Miller (Party Guest). In her spare time, Emma enjoys playing her violin, singing, gymnastics, and doing fun things with her Girl Scout troop.
Erica Miller (Belle/Fred’s Wife) - Erica feels so blessed to be a part of this Annapolis tradition. This is her first time back on stage after starting the role of a lifetime - Motherhood. Erica is a Theatre Arts graduate of Point Park University, a teaching artist, and the creator of Drama-Pop LLC. Erica moved to Annapolis in 2014 from Lancaster, PA. She appeared as Gwendolen in The Colonial Players’ production of Ernest In Love and is happy to be performing again with some of the cast members and artistic team from that show. Erica's most recent credits are Claudia in Nine at CP, Ensemble in South Pacific with the Annapolis Opera, Ulla in The Producers at Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls with 2nd Star Productions. Erica would like to thank her family for their constant support and encouragement, especially throughout the past year.
Holly Miller (Turkey Boy) - This is Holly’s second appearance in the show (she played Fanny in 2012), and she is thrilled to be back! She is an 8th grader at Severn River Middle School, and in her spare time she enjoys playing violin and piano, composing her own music, writing stories, dancing, and performing with the SRMS Drama Club. Her performance this year is dedicated to Mr. Ed Wintermute, the original Ghost of Christmas Present – “This Cornucopia is yours, and it’s free!”
Lesley Miller (Mrs. Fezziwig/Party Guest) - Lesley is so happy to be a part of this wonderful tradition again, particularly as she gets to share the stage with her two daughters this year - Holly as the Turkey Boy and Emma as the Ghost of Christmas Past! She would like to dedicate her performance to the memory of her dear friend Edwin Wintermute, “Ed - although it’s not the same doing this show without you, I like to think that you are in the wings with us and singing along, and that your voice is even more heavenly than it was when you were here. Miss you!”
Andrew Priddy (Peter Cratchit) - Andrew is making his theater debut as Peter in The Colonial Players rendition of A Christmas Carol. He is very excited to begin his theater career with this wonderful show and hopes to do many more shows in the future. When he is not acting he can be seen teaching drums, spending time with his friends and family, and playing in eight bands at the Priddy Music Academy. Catch him at one of his upcoming gigs! Andrew would like to thank Sarah Wade and the rest of the incredible people who made this show happen. He would also like to give a huge shout out to his parents, who took time out of their very busy schedules to take him to rehearsals and support him every step of the way. Andrew had so much fun being a part of this and hopes you enjoy the show!
Malachi Sillaman (Tim Cratchit/Scrooge as a Boy) - Malachi is excited to be making his Colonial Players debut. He was previously seen as Young Don Lockwood in 2nd Star Productions’ Singin' in the Rain. Malachi is ready to take off his dancing shoes and pick up a crutch for this production and wants to thank Miss Sarah and Miss Emma for this opportunity. Malachi also thanks God and his parents for loving him and allowing him to be in this play. “God bless us, every one!”
The Production Staff
Atticus Cooper Boidy (Set Designer) Atticus is thrilled to be back at The Colonial Players for his second show in the 70th season. He directed and set designed the season opener, Rumors. Atticus was so honored when Sarah asked him to work on this beautiful production with such an amazing team. Additional directing credits include Annie Get Your Gun with 2nd Star Productions, Madagascar -- A Musical Adventure Jr. with Children’s Theatre of Annapolis, Honk Jr. and Mulan Jr. with Indian Creek Upper School’s Summer Program, and Once Upon A Mattress, Beauty and the Beast Jr., Fame Jr., and The Little Mermaid Jr. with Severna Park Middle School. He is currently working on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with Artistic Synergy of Baltimore, The Producers with Thirdwall Productions, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. with Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.
Alex Brady (Lighting Designer) Alex has been designing lighting in Annapolis and Baltimore since 2002. He has been nominated for the WATCH Award for Outstanding Lighting Design multiple times, most recently for 33 Variations and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at Colonial Players. His most recent projects include Casa Valentina at CP and The Duchess of Malfi and The Changeling in repertoire with Brave Spirits Theater. Alex serves as the resident lighting designer for the AACC Dance Company and works with various local theaters and high schools. He is an alumnus of the Graduate Institute at St. John's College and also teaches for the Arts Departments at Anne Arundel Community College.
Tim Brown (Co-Producer) Having been stage manager for A Christmas Carol two years ago, Tim now is co-producing this year’s production with Tom Stuckey. Tim has produced Lucky Stiff; It's a Wonderful Life; and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at The Colonial Players and was assistant producer for Boeing, Boeing. Other roles have included lighting assistant and programmer for Nine and Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll. He sends thanks to all the wonderful people at this, his favorite theater, who are so welcoming and fun to work with.
Ernie Morton (Stage Manager) Ernie has served as stage manager at CP for ten main stage productions, but this is his first musical AND first time with A Christmas Carol. He wants to thank Sarah, Lindsay, and Emma for being gentle with him. When Ernie is not running around backstage at CP, he works as an analyst for the Coast Guard. There he also plays saxophone with the Coast Guard Headquarters Big Band, The Cutters. In his infinitesimal spare time, he looks for golf balls, usually finding the ones other people have lost, not the one he played last.
Charlotte Robinson (Co-Properties Designer) Charlotte is really pleased to be part of this very special A Christmas Carol (ACC). She has worked backstage with Sarah from Sarah’s first ACC performance as Turkey Boy through her years as a variety of ACC characters, and now as director. Charlotte joined CP in 1984 and was invited to work backstage in 1988 as stage crew on Dial M For Murder. Since then she has worked on over 50 shows, several committees, and the Board of Directors. In recent years she has moved from tech, crew, and stage manager to props responsibilities. Her most recent shows were The Secret Garden, Trying, Side Man, and Lucky Stiff. And now A Christmas Carol, which has a special place in her heart because of the special A Christmas Carol family history.
Tom Stuckey (Co-Producer) Tom stage managed A Christmas Carol four years ago and produced the show in 2016, working with director Rick Wade, who adapted the Charles Dickens Christmas classic along with composer Dick Gessner especially for The Colonial Players in 1981. It was a joy this year to work with the next generation as Sarah Wade assumed the role of director of her father’s play, bringing a new sense of excitement to CP’s ever-popular version of A Christmas Carol. Thanks to the cast and the creative staff, especially my co-producer Tim Brown, choreographer Lindsay Zetter, and music director Emma Godfrey.
Beth Terranova (Costume Designer) After designing the Christmas Past sequence for A Christmas Carol in 2016, this year Beth is having fun with the whole show – and a few new ideas (thank you, Sarah)! Beth’s previous costume designs were seen on the CP stage in Nine (WATCH nomination), A Few Good Men, These Shining Lives, Coyote on a Fence, Going to St. Ives (WATCH nomination), Cinderella Waltz (WATCH nomination), Lettice and Lovage, The Diviners, The Lion in Winter, The Philadelphia Story, Hauptmann, and Moon Over Buffalo. Prior to A Christmas Carol, Beth most recently stage managed Lucky Stiff and directed Shiloh Rules. Other work behind the scenes at CP includes set designer, play consultant, and tech crew. She is now happily retired, and these days you might catch Beth in colonial garb leading tours around Annapolis when she isn’t doing “things” for the theater, which currently include serving as Artistic Director, and as News and Cues editor.
Mary Beth Yablonski (Co-Properties Designer) Mary Beth has been active with The Colonial Players for 32 years. She served on the Board of Directors as treasurer and has been involved in many productions as stage manager, production manager, and collector of props. Mary Beth ushers and works annually on the CP subscription committee. She sings with the Annapolis Chorale, and recently retired from the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She is a volunteer at Baltimore Washington Hospital.
