Topic: College of Fine Arts
November 28, 2016
The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s holiday transformation is about to become one of Ball State’s largest theater productions when “A Christmas Carol” comes to the University Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10 and 15-17, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee Dec. 10-11 and 17-18.
Peter Zapp, assistant professor of theater, plays Ebenezer Scrooge in the university’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” coming to the University Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8-10 and 15-17, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee Dec. 10-11 and 17-18.
The show’s director, Michael Daehn, calls the play “one of the greatest stories ever written about the season.”
“Charles Dickens wrote the story with an emphasis on family gatherings and festive celebrations,” Daehn said, “and everyone loves a story where the villain becomes a hero.”
“A Christmas Carol” tells the redemptive tale of Scrooge who, on Christmas Eve, is visited by three ghosts — Christmas Past, Present and Future — who help him realize the error of his miserly ways and change into a better person. The play was adapted from Dickens’ novella of the same name, first published in December 1843.
Ball State’s “A Christmas Carol” will feature “amazing costumes and one of the largest set designs ever to grace the Ball State stage,” Daehn said.
“Two faculty members, Peter Zapp and Michael Elliot, are professional actors who will be playing the roles of Scrooge and Jacob Marley, respectively. And there are six talented local children in the show who will allow us to experience the magic of Christmas through their eyes.”
The Department of Theatre and Dance has planned a themed outreach as part of the production; the Cratchit Family Dinner food drive will benefit Muncie’s Second Harvest Food Bank.
“We feel it’s imperative that as we grow as artists, we also growing as human beings, and by hosting a food drive, we’re helping ensure families in need in the community have a great holiday feast,” said Sean Haynes, senior musical theatre major who plays Bob Crachit. Anyone bringing a nonperishable food item to the box office can get $1 off the price of admission to “A Christmas Carol.”
Tickets for this family-friendly production cost $18 for the general public and $15 for students, faculty, staff and senior citizens. New this year is a child rate of $10 for any child 12 years old or younger. Tickets are available from the University Theatre Box Office, open one hour before performances, and from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the box office at 765-285-8749 or visit its website for more information.
By Gail Werner, Media Strategist