Play and Lyrics by Richard Wade
Music by Richard Gessner
Directed by Sarah Wade
Produced by Tim Brown
Performance dates:
December 2 - 12, 2021
Run time: 80m
(no intermission)
Venture with us to a cold December in London, where we witness Ebenezer Scrooge’s realization of the true meaning of Christmas. Written for the Players in 1981 by Richard Wade and Dick Gessner, Colonial Players is delighted to bring this beloved adaptation of the Dickens classic back to the stage. Warm your heart to the music, characters, and story of Scrooge’s redemption through the visits of the Ghosts of his Christmases Past, Present, and Future. Travel with him through time and the streets of the London of 170 years ago to discover the true meaning of Christmas and rekindle your holiday spirit. This year’s production will be directed by Richard’s daughter, Sarah, who has grown up with this phenomenally popular gift to the community.
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
Richard (Rick) Wade has been a member of The Colonial Players for more than 50 years, directing more than two dozen productions, occasionally acting, and serving as the theater’s president and many years on its board. He has directed for numerous other professional, college, community, and dinner theaters in the BaltimoreWashington area. He has written a dozen other plays and musicals and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. His adaptation and lyrics for A Christmas Carol with music composed by Dick Gessner, was written expressly for CP in 1981 and has been performed more than 600 times on the East Street stage. Rick and his wife, Jennifer, live in Arnold. They are particularly proud of their daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Eric Hufford, who perform and direct at Colonial Players and their son, Andrew, wife Molly, and new grandson, Henry.
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. Gessner died August 30, 2019, at the age of 90, but his spirit lives on in the wonderful music he wrote for A Christmas Carol.
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
Trevor Greenfield is excited to return to The Colonial Players this Christmas season! A local performer and music director since 2015,Trevor's recent credits include lead role Joe Gillis in Moonlight Troupers’ Sunset Boulevard, and the director for Children’s Theatre of Annapolis’ production of The Hobbit. Trevor teaches K-5 general music for AACPS as well as private piano lessons. He would like to thank his wife and son, Katrina and Jackson, for their love and support and the entire CP team for their talent, dedication, and hard work to pull this off. “Merry Christmas to all!”
Director's Notes
How time flies. When I look back on my first year directing this show in 2018, it's astounding to me now what I felt like I achieved then and how much I perhaps took for granted. The world looks so very different now. This show, in fact, looks so very different now. Yet, I remain astounded by what my vibrant cast and amazing team have been able to achieve - this year, I won't be taking that for granted. To be honest, I didn't know what this show was going to look like. You'd think I'd have had a better idea, given that I got an extra year to think about it, but it was truthfully challenging to re-envision a show that I knew only in one form. I'm so, so proud of my cast and am humbled and grateful for all the gifts my design team have given me - their support being first and foremost. What does A Christmas Carol say to us in 2021? What message can we take away? Of course, Dickens couldn't envision a world full of divisive discourse, a pandemic, a rapidly changing world. Or could he? London was no stranger to the hardships of disease. England's political discourse and role on the world's stage were a divisive topic, and the world was changing rapidly during the 19th century. An enduring message, the one at the heart of Dickens’ story, remains - think upon how you treat your fellow humans and how that might weigh upon your soul. Strive to live with a joyous and optimistic spirit. Live well. "If every human mind could look on human-kind, as a very special bounty which can't be bought or sold..."
- SARAH WADE
The Cast
Kaelynn Bedsworth (Belle / Mrs. Cratchit / Charwoman) - Kaelynn is happy to be treading the boards once more in one of her favorite shows of all time. You may have seen her as Mrs. Cratchit or Belle/Fred's Wife in past productions of A Christmas Carol. A few additional favorite CP stage credits include The Secret Garden (Alice), Annie (Grace Farrell), 1776 (Martha Jefferson), Little Women (Meg), and Moonlight and Magnolias (Miss Poppenghul). Behind the scenes, she has produced, costume designed, sound designed, scene painted, and seam sewed for many a CP show Kaelynn sends love to her husband and family, especially her nieces Adeline and Hannah, and would like to dedicate this performance to the memory of her dear friend and colleague Carrie, who always reminded her every day that "we're as blessed as anyone alive."
Ian Brown (Tim Cratchit / Turkey Boy / Scrooge as a Boy) - Ian is a 6th grader at Bates Middle School in the Performance and Visual Arts Program (Creative Writing and Drama). He is 12 years old and enjoys baseball, go-karting, and hanging out with his neighborhood friends. This is his third performance at The Colonial Players. He played the role of young Ethan in the City of Conversation in 2017 and Ollie Herdman in the 2019 performance of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Ian is very excited to be a part of this wonderful cast and would like to thank his family, his fellow performers, and the crew for inspiration and support.
Dianne Hood (Ghost of Christmas Past) - Dianne first walked in the doors of this theater and onto the stage in 1976 as Jane Hopcroft in Absurd Person Singular. Since then, she has performed in more than 20 Colonial Players productions. Her most recent roles here include Arronetta Gibbs in Morning’s at Seven, Miss Prism in Ernest in Love, Charlotte Hay in Moon over Buffalo, and Edith in Jake's Women. In addition, she has appeared on several stages in Baltimore and on the Maryland Eastern Shore.
Duncan Hood (Ghost of Jacob Marley / Mr. Fezziwig / Undertaker's Man) - “It's good to be back at The Colonial Players.” Duncan was last seen as Dr. Chausible in Ernest in Love at CP. Over the past 20 years, he has performed roles here as Carl in Morning’s at Seven, George in Moon over Buffalo, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, The Playwright in Enter the Guardsman, VanSweiten in Amadeus, Jethro Crouch in Sly Fox, Michael in Dancing at Lughnasa, The Narrator in Blood Brothers, Inspector Rough in Angel Street, and Psuedolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Duncan has been an international sailing instructor trainer for the American Sailing Association for 36 years and holds a 100 ton USCG Master’s license. He is dedicating these performances to his grandkids: Joan, Graham, and Cameron.
Eric Hufford (Ghost of Christmas Present / Gentleman) - Eric is happy to to reprise his role of Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol at The Colonial Players. It's been a while since he was last on stage as he has taken mostly to backstage technical support for many productions. Favorite roles include Jerry in The Full Monty and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Eric would like to dedicate this performance to the amazingly talented and ever humble Benjamin Carr. On a completely unrelated note, don't make bets in Fantasy Football.
Alexandra Kuebler (Belinda Cratchit / Fred’s Wife / Fanny) - This is Alexandra's first production with The Colonial Players and she is ecstatic about the opportunity to spread some Christmas cheer! Recently, Alex has had the pleasure to perform as Luisa in The Fantasticks, Jo in Little Women, and Katherine in Taming of the Shrew. Outside the theatre, Alex enjoys reading John Steinbeck, Rick Riordan, and most things in between. She is very grateful to her mom and dad for constantly supporting her in her acting endeavors and her sisters for loving her despite the non-stop singing coming from Alex's room. She thanks God for blessing her with this community that has been so warm and welcoming. She hopes you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the show! ZAC.
Zach Priddy (Peter Cratchit / Dick Wilkins / Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come) - Zach is delighted to be making his theatre debut in The Colonial Players rendition of A Christmas Carol. He is very excited to begin his theatre career with this wonderful show and hopes to do many more shows in the future. When he is not acting he can be seen singing and playing his guitar, writing, spending time with his friends and family, and playing in three bands at the Priddy Music Academy. Catch him at one of his upcoming gigs! Zach would like to thank Sarah Wade for her support and kindness, the hard working crew who make the magic happen, and his fellow castmates for friendships that will last a lifetime. 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. Zach had so much fun being a part of this and hopes you "Keep Christmas in your heart every DAY."
Matthew Rigby (Fred / Young Scrooge) - This is Matt's first production with The Colonial Players, and he is very excited to bring Christmas cheer to Annapolis! Matt performed in several musicals in high school and college, including Anything Goes and Guys and Dolls. He has loved working with the cast and crew and can't wait for future shows with CP. Matt would like to thank his friends and family for their support. He's just getting started!
Mia Rinehart (Martha Cratchit / Fred's Party Guest) - Mia is a 15-year-old tenth grader in the IB Program at Annapolis High School. She is thrilled to make her debut on the The Colonial Players stage after performing last spring as Elsa in the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis production of Frozen Jr. When not performing, Mia can be found participating in many clubs at school, traveling to see live music, or listening to Phoebe Bridgers. Mia is honored to have the opportunity to be a part of this iconic show and thanks this incredible cast and creative staff for the amazing experience. Mia thanks her family, specifically her mother, for keeping theatre a priority in her life. She also sends her thanks to her vocal coach, Alyssa Cox, for her amazing support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!
Reed Sigmon (Bob Cratchit) - Reed is thankful to return to The Colonial Players stage and honored to be part of this long-standing Annapolis tradition! He most recently appeared with CP as Harry Witherspoon in the 2018 production of Lucky Stiff (WATCH Nomination. Lead Actor in a Musical / Outstanding Musical nomination). He could also be seen as Snoopy in 2nd Star Productions' 2020 showing of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Since 2018, Reed has performed professionally with the Maryland Renaissance Festival’s Company of the Rose, closing their 2021 season as Master Thomas Seymour (brother to eventual Queen, Jane Seymour). In his free time, Reed runs a website dedicated to collecting vintage children’s books – you can follow his work at wereedbooks.com. He thanks his loved ones for their unwavering support and especially thanks his wife for putting up with his constant singing of Christmas songs over the last month and a half. As 2021 comes to a close, Reed would like to wish everyone the happiest of holidays and a joyful 2022!”
Gene Valendo (Ebenezer Scrooge) - Gene is delighted to return to The Colonial Players stage where he previously appeared in 1776 (2013) and in Lucky Stiff (2018). His most recent stage appearances were prior to the pandemic in Moonlight and Magnolias (Ben Hecht, Laurel Mill Playhouse, early 2020) and in the Menken/Ahrens version of A Christmas Carol: The Musical (Ebenezer Scrooge, 2nd Star Productions, 2019). Other than Scrooge (of course), his favorite roles include Juror #8 (Twelve Angry Men), Sir Joseph Porter (HMS Pinafore), and Alexander Molokov (Chess). He wishes to thank Sarah for giving him the opportunity to be part of this wonderful Annapolis tradition.
The Production Staff
Tim Brown (Producer) Tim was involved in the last two productions of A Christmas Carol - as stage manager in 2016 and as co-producer in 2018. He also has produced and participated as lighting assistant in several other shows. He is delighted to be involved once again in such a heart-warming production that is so much a part of The Colonial Players and Annapolis. He sends thanks to all the wonderful people at this, his favorite theatre, who are so welcoming and fun to work with.
Susan Baum (Properties Designer) This is the second show at The Colonial Players for Susan and she is thrilled to be part of the team for A Christmas Carol. She assisted with the props for The Revolutionists. Susan has been actively involved with theatre in Annapolis for many years, having previously worked with Children's Theatre of Annapolis and Compass Rose Theater. Enjoy the show!
Wes Bedsworth (Sound Designer / Recording Engineer) Wes has been volunteering with The Players since early 2007 when he was a sound technician for Moon Over Buffalo. He's gone on to sound design many other shows, light design one, program lights for a bunch, create an Arduino-controlled illuminated grand piano for another, and provide technical consultation on more shows than he can count. Wes currently serves as Operations Director on the Board, where his responsibilities vary from plumber to electrician to network administrator to HVAC technician to locksmith to general handyman, depending on what broke this time. He also serves as Technical Director on the Production Team, and is excited to be part of the "Stream Team" -- the trio of volunteers who have worked closely (while bickering like brothers) to develop live stream capability for The Players. By day, Wes works for Cardinal Engineering, proudly supporting the United States Navy's COLUMBIA Class submarine program, where he was recently recognized as employee of the year. Wes sends his love to his wife, Kaelynn; his parents; sister Susan; and brother-in-law, Jon. Abby - always in my heart.
Ernie Morton (Stage Manager) Ernie has been stage manager or lighting designer for 15 shows at The Colonial Players and Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre.
Beth Terranova (Costume Designer) Beth has been designing costumes for community theatres for over 25 years. On the The Colonial Players stage her previous costume designs were seen in Maytag Virgin, A Christmas Carol (2018), 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. In Maryland she has also designed costumes for 2nd Star (Gypsy), Compass Rose (The Diary of Anne Frank and Eleanore), and Bay Theatre Company (Beyond Therapy). Other costume design credits from years of theater in Florida include The Importance of Being Ernest, Beau Jest, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Call Me Madam, and Gypsy (yes, she has had the “joy” of costuming this show twice!). Beth was most recently on stage at The Colonial Players as Williamina Fleming in Silent Sky. Work behind the scenes includes director, producer, set designer, play consultant, and tech crew. Happily retired, these days you might catch Beth in colonial garb leading historic and ghost tours around Annapolis…when she isn’t doing “things” for the theatre.
Dianne Trickey-Rokenbrod (Lighting Designer) Dianne is a recent “transplant” to the area, moving with her husband Bill from Western New York. Her love of community theatre moved with her, and she is thrilled to join the Annapolis theatre community. Bringing varied experience in acting, directing, and lighting, Dianne was encouraged to jump in with both feet on this classic Christmas show! In true Colonial Players fashion, there were plenty of people to mentor and support her as she learned the ropes at CP. She would like to extend special thanks to John Purnell, Wes Bedsworth, Bill Reinhardt, and Tim Brown for all their help. And no bio for Dianne is complete without recognition of her family, truly the “wind beneath her wings.”
Krisztina Vanyi (Set Designer) You can take the woman out of Annapolis but you cannot take The Colonial Players (love of theatre) out of her. Despite living almost an hour away Krisztina is always happy to come back to CP as she still considers it her second - artistic - home. Starting with the 2014 Summer One Act Festival (lead set painter) she has been hooked on paint fumes and has contributed to the production of shows such as Dead Man's Cell Phone and A Few Good Men (lighting assistant), The Liar (set designer), Shiloh Rules (painter/prop builder), It's a Wonderful Life (Lead set painter/designer). Krisztina also has been working on sets for the Victorian Lyric Opera, Rockville Little Theatre, and Rockville Musical Theatre. When not behind the scenes, she enjoys taking comedic and musical improv classes at WIT DC, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Architectural/Visual Communication classes at AACC just for fun. She works as a principal data scientist to support her theatre habit.
