Shellie Turner
In Motion Staff Writer
A holiday classic will arrive in time for the holidays with a three-day run this month. The Gillespy Theatre at the News-Journal Center in Daytona Beach is featuring Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” starting Dec. 7.
As most know, the 1843 musical tells the tale of holiday-hating miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by four ghosts who help him rediscover the spirit of Christmas.
This latest production is based on an original score and script written in the early 1990s for the Seaside Musical Theatre, which was formerly housed at the News-Journal Center. In fact, the building was erected by Tippen Davidson – owner/publisher of the Daytona Beach News-Journal and Seaside patron – especially for the musical company. It’s a more classical version of the story with a traditional feel and possesses a solid choral-based score.
“I’m not sure if this version has been performed before but we’re bringing it back,” says Samantha Stern, who is directing the production.
Stern is an assistant professor and Director of Theater for Daytona State College. She is also the founder of Thank You Five Improv Troupe in Port Orange. This is her sixth production with the College, but “A Christmas Carol” is her biggest yet. Dr. Jean Hickman, associate professor of Choral/Vocal Music for Daytona State is the Musical Director for the show.
Auditions were open to both students and the public. Aimee Aballo is a local actress who relocated to Daytona Beach 18 months ago from New York City. She has participated in productions with the Daytona Playhouse, Thank You Five Improv Troupe, and the New Smyrna Little Theatre. She will play the role of Mrs. Fezziwig, a figure from Scrooge’s past. She is no stranger to musical theater, beginning her career at age 5. She has never performed in a rendition of the Dickens classic, but is excited to perform: “This makes the season more fun.”
On the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9, a Dickensian-style dinner will precede the show. The multi-course meal will take place in the lobby of the News-Journal Center, which will be decorated in holiday fashion. Attendees will be treated to a performance of traditional songs by carolers in Dickens period dress. Haley Cooper, an Elementary Education major, will be playing the role of the Poulterer’s clerk. “A Christmas Carol” is her first production with Daytona State and she is looking for more acting experience while enjoying her time on the stage. She believes the pre-show dinner adds a special element to the evening.
“It adds creativity to an actual sit-down show,” she says.
The production runs from Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 7-9. Admission to the show is free for Daytona State and Volusia and Flagler K-12 students. Otherwise, general seating tickets are $8 per person or two for $15.
Tickets for Dec 8 and Dec 9 are $45 which includes admission for the musical and the pre-show dinner. For information, contact the News-Journal Center Box Office at 386-226-1927 or email BoxOffice@DaytonaState.edu