Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol was brought to life when readers took on the challenge at a program called The Dickens’ Night at the Preeceville Trinity United Churchon November 27.
Preeceville and district residents were invited to celebrate this festive season with The Dickens’ Night, said Sheila Ivanochko, director. “In true Dickens’ fashion, all proceeds from the free-will offering will benefit the Filling the Gap Christmas hamper program and the Family Resource Centre.
“Last year was the first time we presented the CBC-endorsed dramatic readings in our community,” said Ivanochko. “And it was such a success that Trinity United Church board felt it was worth producing again.
“The classic Christmas tale really gets everyone into the Christmas spirit and makes a significant difference for a local charity during this special time of the year,” she said. The second annual production of A Christmas Carol featured local readers (in period costume) and musical interludes, followed by socializing and refreshments.
The project was organized and co-ordinated by Sheila Ivanochko and the Trinity United Church. All proceeds went towards Filling the Gap, Christmas hampers and the Family Resource Centre.
Through this program the whole community comes together through churches, schools, individuals and service groups to provide help to make Christmas a time of blessings, said Miles Russell, master of ceremonies.
Charles Dickens, who wrote A Christmas Carol in 1843, used his written works to raise funds for those in need during the Christmas season, Russell said. "His first public readings were inspired by the northern industrial town of Manchester. He wrote the book because he needed money but he chose the theme as a response to the notorious poverty of the ‘hungry forties.’ His first public reading took three hours and then over time, Dickens reduced it to an 80-minute reading.”
Performers who enacted the reading included Karolyn Kosheluk, Sheila Ivanochko, Lil Masley, Les DeRuiter and Lynnel Person.
Kennedy Kosheluk provided the mood music on the piano at the beginning of the evening.
Karolyn Kosheluk recited the first portion, saying: "On a frigid, foggy Christmas Eve, we meet Ebenezer Scrooge in his counting-house, all-consumed by frugality and a love of money.”
Sheila Ivanochko provided the second portion of the reading: "Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of the impending visits of three spirits.”
Les DeRuiter recited the third section: “The Ghost of Christmas past takes Scrooge back to happier times, to the Fezziwig party and other long-ago events.”
Lil Masley read the portion that introduced the Ghost of Christmas present: “The Ghost of Christmas present escorts Scrooge to Christmas dinner at the meagre abode of his clerk, Bob Cratchit. Scrooge becomes aware of the grim plight of Tiny Tim.”
Miles Russell continued reading the portion of the Ghost of Christmas present: “The ghost continues on to a Christmas party at the home of Scrooge’s nephew. Slowly Scrooge becomes aware of his own potential to spread cheer.”
In the final portion of the reading, Lynnel Person recited: “As a result of the visit of the third spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, Scrooge sees the folly of his ways, and repents, promising to honour Christmas always in his heart.”
Musical performances were offered by Laura Chartrand, Nathan Seghers, Jerry Lisitza and Les DeRuiter who performed a musical interlude, accompanied by a recorder, to Zion’s Daughter, O Rejoice.
Terese and Robert Sandager, accompanied by Barb Melsness, performed In the Bleak Midwinter. Megan Maierperformed amusical interlude on a flute.
Kennedy Kosheluk performed Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring on the mandolin.
After the closing remarks, avocal a capella was offered by Laura Chartrand, Jeff Davis and Jerry Lisitza.
