Classic Dickens' holiday tale gets musical twist in Kansas State University performance of 'A Christmas Carol — The Musical'
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015
MANHATTAN — Just in time for the holiday season, Kansas State University's theatre program will present "A Christmas Carol — The Musical" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 15 in McCain Auditorium.
Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly encounters come to life in this Broadway musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' most well-known story. Scrooge, the prosperous curmudgeon, is forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his past, present and future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and relinquishes his famous "Bah Humbug" to greet Christmas mornings with a cheerful "Happy Christmas" before sharing love with those who mean the most to him.
Directed and choreographed by Jerry Jay Cranford, "A Christmas Carol — The Musical" was developed from the book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens, which is based on the Dickens' classic. It features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Ahrens.
Along with Kansas State University students, the performance will feature Manhattan elementary students.
Sponsored by Coco Bolos and Dental Associates of Manhattan, "A Christmas Carol — The Musical" is presented through arrangement with Music Theatre International. Audiences can watch the performance at http://www.MTIShows.com.
Tickets are $15 for adults; $13 for faculty/staff, military and seniors; and $10 for students and youth, plus tax and applicable fees. They can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by phone at 785-532-6428. Tickets also may be purchased online at k-state.edu/theatre. Fees apply to phone and online orders.
The following Kansas State University students are in the cast of "A Christmas Carol — The Musical":
Mary Wahlmeier, senior in music, Burlington, as Mother; Blake Cordell, junior in applied music, Derby, as Charity Man.
From Greater Kansas City: Cooper McGuire, freshman in music education, Gardner, as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Jordan Doebbeling, freshman in pre-psychology, as Charity Man, Morgan Sterrett, freshman theatre, as the Ghost of Christmas Future, and Kelly Urschel, sophomore in applied music, asSally, all from Overland Park; and Brady Franklin, freshman in biology, Shawnee, as Charity Man.
Madison Moore, junior in applied music, Iuka, as Mrs. Fezziwig.
From Manhattan: Rachel Hunt, senior in music, as Emily; Samuel Massey, junior in theatre, as the Ghost of Christmas Past; Randy Rhoten, senior in theatre, as Mr. Cratchit; and Ashleigh Tysick, freshman in applied music, as Mrs. Cratchit.
Corbin Eakes, junior in music education, as Mr. Fezziwig and Noah Lindquist, sophomore in music education, as Fred, both from Topeka; and Drew George, senior in applied music, Uniontown, as Smythe.
From out of state:
Mark Hay, senior in theatre, Thousand Oaks, California, as Marley; Darrington Clark, senior in mass communications, Kansas City, Missouri, as Ebenezer Scrooge; and Danielle Levings, master's student in theatre, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as Mrs. Mopps.
Manhattan elementary students in the production are Kendall Proctor, as Martha; Trewman Haub, as Tiny Tim; Olivia Payne, as Grace Smythe; and Grace Williams, as Girl Urchin.
