MHS performing arts debuts “After Christmas Carol”

Lori VanScyoc and her MHS drama students are gearing up for a busy season of shows, beginning with “The After Christmas Carol.” This show still includes Scrooge, the ghosts and other favorites, but it is a new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.

“I found a great script online that I adapted to fit our needs for the show,” VanScyoc said. The large cast of characters includes Scrooge, played by Decker Rainey. Rainey has had a lot of experience performing in productions and is excited to be playing the infamous lead character.

Scrooge learns from his partner, the deceased ghost of Jacob Marley (played by Donnie Gaskins), that he needs to change his ways. Marley sends three ghosts to Scrooge to help him alter his life.

Carson Rose plays Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s employee. He says the cast and crew is “doing really well at adapting to all of the different circumstances, having to re-write the script.” When asked about his character, Rose explained, “Bob Cratchit is the father of six kids and doesn’t have much money. He works for Scrooge, who is really mean, but he is able to stay really happy through it.”

Another student, Kyle DeVries, plays Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. DeVries played Hortensio in last year’s production of “The Taming of the Shrew.” When asked about this production, Devries said, “I have more experience under my belt, so it is easier.”

“The After Christmas Carol” will be presented on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23 and 24, in the high school lecture hall at 7 p.m. Tickets, $5 for students and $7 for adults, will be sold at the door.

Cast of Characters:
Narrator – Exequiel Hashimoto
Ebenezer Scrooge – Decker Rainey
Jacob Marley, his late partner – Donny Gaskins
Ghost of Christmas Past – Shena Carver
Ghost of Christmas Present – Brian Garcia
Ghost of Christmas Future – Arthur Jones III
Bob Cratchit, his clerk – Carson Rose
Mrs. Cratchit – Michal Mohler
Martha Cratchit Shayla Lolo
Peter Cratchit – Anthony Alafano
Belinda Cratchit – Brittany Ames
Thomas Cratchit – Bryce Stradling
Elizabeth Cratchit – Kylie
Tiny Tim – Joe Ramirez
Long John Silver – Brian Garcia
Fran, his sister – Jacqueline Martinez
Fred, his sister’s son – Kyle DeVries
Fred’s Wife – Issis Alexander
Charity Gentleman #1 – Nicholas King
Charity Gentleman #2 – Alain Cline
Mr. Fezziwig, his former boss – Tyler Hunsaker
Belle Fezziwig, his former fiancé – Lindsey Litteken
Young Belle and Belle’s Daughter – Amanda Jordan
Tut, Belle’s husband -Nicholas King
Woman With A Monstrous Chin – Sarah Sterba
Another Woman – Lindsey Litteken
Third woman – Savannah Print
Woman With Red Face – Zoe Santiago
Wealthy Man #1 – Nicholas King
Wealthy Man #2 – Alain Cline
Charwoman – Natasha Chrosniak
Old Joe – Warwick Hart
Laundress Vicky – – Kylie
Caroline, Poor Wife – Sarah Sterba
Poor Husband – Alain Cline
Intelligent, Fine Lad – Joe Ramirez
Children’s Chorus – Warwick Hart, Tyler Hunsaker, Savannah Print, Jacqueline Martinez
Fred’s Guests – Zoe Santiago

If you are looking for a way to spend your Valentine’s Day with someone special this year, the second offering from the drama program is for you. The group will present “An Evening of Music and Romance” on Friday, Feb. 13, in the Summit at the high school.

This dinner theater is a joint effort brought to the community by the vocal music and culinary arts programs at the high school. The evening will include a four-course meal provided by the culinary students and some of the “greatest love songs of all time” by the choir. Seating is limited to the first 50 couples, so purchase your tickets ($35 per couple) early.

To reserve tickets for either event, contact VanScyoc via email at [email protected].

Photo by Carrie Vargas