Wednesday, November 27, 2002
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Wednesday, November 27, 2002 |
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Newnan Community Theatre presents a twisted version of a holiday classic By MICHAEL
BOYLAN The story of "A Christmas Carol" is familiar to almost everyone, whether they have seen the Muppet version, the Disney version, the Bill Murray version, the Mr. Magoo version or the traditional, Dickensian version. However, the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society production of "A Christmas Carol" is one that probably has Charles Dickens rolling in his grave. The play is written by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jr., two British playwrights that have written a number of Farndale shows, including their productions of "MacBeth," "The Mikado," a murder mystery, a science fiction story and a French love story among others. The farndale plays have been produced worldwide since the late 1970s, though have only become popular stateside since the early 1990s. Four women play all the roles in each show: Mrs. Reece, Thelma, Felicity and Mercedes and they are assisted by Gordon, the stage manager. Each production is well-intentioned but soon turns into a farce as anything tha can go wrong usually does. Whether it is falling flats or falling actors, missing props or missed cues, each Farndale production is non-stop fun and no sentimentality or moral is snuck in at the end. The cast of Newnan Communtiy theatre's prodction includes Jeanne Chambers as Mrs. Reece, Ginger Carmichael as Thelma, Rachel garrett as Felicity, Becky Clark as Mercedes and Dave Dorrell will play the role of Gordon. Laurel Alford is the director for this show. "No one would believe how difficult it is to do a 'bad play, done well.' When you see a show that seems like one continuing disaster you don't think about how much work is involved to make all the bad thiings happen," said Alford, who also stated that the cast's motto for the show is "no laugh is too cheap." Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Nov. 29 through Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. Phone 770-683-NCTC or visit www.newnantheatre.com
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