A special dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol was brought to life November 29 when readers took on the challenge at a program called The Dickens’ Night at the Preeceville Trinity United Church.
Preeceville and District residents were invited to celebrate this festive season with 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.
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 third 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 Ivanochko and the Trinity United Church. All proceeds went towards the Filling the Gap project, 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, he said. His first public readings were inspired by the northern industrials town of Manchester, England. 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 overtime, Dickens reduced it to an 80-minute reading.
Performers who enacted the reading included Karolyn Kosheluk, Sheila Ivanochko, Lil Masley, Les DeRuiter, Miles Russell and Lynnel Person.
Leanne Jakubowski provided the mood music with piano at the beginning of the evening.
Karolyn Kosheluk recited the first portion. "On a frigid, foggy Christmas Eve, we meet Ebenezer Scrooge in his counting-house, all-consumed by frugality and a love of money," she said.
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," said Ivanochko.
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,' he said.
Lil Masley introduced the reading 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," said Masley.
Miles Russell continue the reading 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," he said.
Musical performances were offered by Therese Sandager and Laura Davis who performed a musical vocal interlude to, In the Bleak Midwinter. They were accompanied by Barb Melsness on piano.
Nathan Seghers performed a clarinet solo to, Carol. Seghers was accompanied by Laura Davis on piano.
A vocal performance to, Thy Little One was performed by Hein Bertram, Therese Sandager and Pat Roste. The trio was accompanied by Barb Melsness on piano.
Nathan Maier performed a violin solo.
Butch and Filipina Pinaroc performed a duet to Deck the Halls. Barb Melsness accompanied on piano.
Hein Bertram performed a vocal solo to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
A musical interlude by all entertainers and readers was performed to Gloucestershire Wassail at the conclusion of the evenings performance.
Victorian refreshments and fellowship follow after the conclusion.
