By RHEA-FANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
Jeff and Gaye Heisler and the Heisler Theater Company have been bringing live theater to the mountain over the last decade. They are returning this holiday season with performances of A Christmas Carol at the Tudor House.
“We are thrilled to be back at The Tudor House theater facility with its beautiful proscenium arch and curtains and the opportunities it gives both our theater group and the mountain audiences,” said Jeff Heisler. “Now is the time to buy tickets to the live show, as seats are limited.”
The classic tale by Charles Dickens, although British in origin, has become an essential part of American culture during the holiday season. It’s the story of Ebenezer Scrooge who has focused his whole life on money, which hasn’t brought him happiness, so he shares his bitterness with all those around him. After the death of his business partner, Marley’s ghost comes back in an attempt to enlighten Scrooge to the errors of his ways. He sends Scrooge three more spirits, which reveal to him his past life when he was happy and his poor choices, how miserable his present life is and his probable future, if he doesn’t change his ways.
After the visits by the spirits, Scrooge becomes aware of the unhappiness his unthoughtful actions have inflicted on others. He reverses his life’s direction and becomes a generous and thoughtful person. The classic story has been adapted for the stage with the musical score arranged by Anthony E. Palarmo.
A Christmas Carol will be performed from Dec. 21 through the 24th at The Tudor House. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.; the final Sunday matinee will begin at 4 p.m. The Tudor House is at located 800 Arrowhead Villas Road in the Arrowhead Villas section of Lake Arrowhead.
Phil Simmons as Charles Dickens narrates A Christmas Carol as Scrooge (Jeff Heisler) encounters the Ghost of Christmas Present (Dana Merola) in a previous production. (File photo)
Several in the cast perform more than one role, since the Heisler Theater Company chooses the best to be in their company. Those performing in the cast are Ebenezer Scrooge, Jeff Heisler; Charles Dickens, Phil Simmons; Marley/Guest/Businessman/Fezziwig, Armand LeSage; First Spirit, Stephen Sandlin; Second Spirit/Lamb, Dana Merola; Third Spirit/Poole/Party Guest, Gaye Gamble Heisler; Nephew Fred, Christopher Marin; Young Scrooge/Mrs. Dilber, Sam Starr; Doorstep Child, Elianna Arrona; Kate, Star Bennett; Belle, Cadence O’Brien; Businessman/Party Goer, Michael Patrick Brewer; Undertaker’s Man/Stage Wrangler, Rebecca Yurkovich; Shrouded Man/Stage Wrangler, Monah Yurkovich; Martha/Fan, Gwen Watson; Charwoman, Cassandra “Casey” Pate; Old Joe, Michael Farris; and Dancer, Roberta Jami Yurkovich.
The Cratchit family members include Bob Cratchit, Alan McNeil; Mrs. Cratchit/Doorstep Woman, Shari Spencer; Tiny Tim Cratchit, Anthony Arrona Jr.; Belinda Cratchit, Annabelle Moore; and Peter Cratchit/Buck, Kalysta Arrona.
Those backstage coordinating the production are director, Jeff Heisler; assistant director, Gaye Gamble Heisler; Lighting engineer, Matthew Merola; carol coach, Keely Hawkes; stage manager, Katarina Hardyman; head stage wrangler, David Yurkovich; and sound/backdrop engineer, Alex May.
This traditional Christmas story of the redemption of the soul of Ebenezer Scrooge has been rewritten, performed and parodied for over a hundred years in many forms, but this production is quickly shaping up to be one of the best.
“Join us for Charles Dickens’ little ghost story of Christmas,” Heisler said, “We look forward each year to A Christmas Carol. It’s a real step back in time and a remembrance of the true meaning of Christmas. Being able to take a room full of people through that journey each year is the best thing we do. Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with us as we present the classic stage presentation of A Christmas Carol.”
For tickets, visit www.HeislerTheater.com.
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