OU Helmerich School of Drama’s production of “A Christmas Carol” opens Friday, using an ensemble cast to reflect the Scrooge in all of us.
“A Christmas Carol” follows Ebenezer Scrooge, who transforms from a grump into a kind, caring man. He is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future who show him how his greed impacts others.
Director Seth Gordon has been working with students on the play’s design and production since the end of the spring semester, with rehearsals beginning in October.
Gordon said the school chose to perform “A Christmas Carol” for its holiday theme and the positive experience it would provide for students.
The play is largely student-run, with students serving as stage managers, designers and performers. Gordon added that this version of the play lacks a singular lead for Scrooge.
“It's a very ensemble-based version of the play in which most of the actors take turns playing Scrooge,” Gordon said. “The idea being that everyone has a little bit of Scrooge in us, and so the audience gets to see how, regardless of how the role is passed from one actor to the next, the journey is the same. … That's something that serves our students very well, and it's something that I think will create a slightly different take on this story for our audience.”
Gordon said he hopes the audience will be reminded of the importance of empathy through the production.
“My hope is that they'll see the story of someone who, over the course of a rather long night, learns the importance of empathy,” Gordon said. “That's something that I think everyone can stand to see every once in a while and be reminded, especially during the holiday season, and I hope they'll see what a wonderful and strong and professional program for theater we have here at OU.”
“A Christmas Carol” will show at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the A. Max Weitzenhoffer Theatre. The show will continue its run at 8 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 3 p.m. Dec. 13-14. Tickets will be available online and at the door, starting at $34 for adults; $29 for OU faculty and staff, seniors and military members; and $12 for students.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Hannah Lambert and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
