GREENVILLE — Darke County Center for the Arts (DCCA) presented Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Saturday, Dec. 17.
The second production of DCCA’s 2016-2017 Artists Series season took place at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall, in Greenville, Ohio. Historical Reenactors John Burkett, president of Greenville City Council, and his wife Karen were asked to greet people as they filed in from the cold. The production was performed by the National Touring Company of the North County Center for the Arts, which has been providing award-winning theater for nearly 30 years. According to Scott H. Severance, the Director of “A Christmas Carol”, the story was one of the greatest influences in rejuvenating the old Christmas traditions of England.
“While it brings to the reader images of light, joy, warmth and life, it also brings strong and unforgettable images of darkness, despair, cold, sadness and death,” he said. “It is our sincere hope that this production covers all those bases for you, dear patron, that you might laugh, cry, gasp and think upon the wonder of the Christmas season. ‘God Bless Us Everyone.’”
The production was sold out, but the inclimate weather left a few empty seats. Many people found the trip worthwhile, such as Tammy Abell, her son Andrew and her daughter Sarah. They have season tickets to DCCA’s Artists Series.
“This is more culturally entertaining than a night in front of the television,” Tammy said.
Andrew enjoys soaking in the message the story gives.
“I like it because the Christmas spirit is much greater than Scrooge’s greed,” he said.
According to DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins, “A Christmas Carol”, is the first musical theater for DCCA in quite a while.
“It’s a big job to bring a company of this caliber here,” he said. “ I feel like we’re giving a big Christmas gift to everyone this season.”
Another gift seated in the lobby was Versailles sixth-grader Alayna Rindler. She was playing Christmas carols to set the holiday mood. Her favorite carol to play is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. Rawlins discovered Rindler’s talent at a Versailles Elementary School talent show and asked her to play.
“I was really surprised,” she said. “I didn’t think I was that good.”
For more information, visit www.CenterForArts.net.
