Sandburg Theater Presents ‘A Christmas Carol’ Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Carl Sandburg College Theater presents the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” from Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 in the Fine Arts Theatre located in Building F on the Main Campus in Galesburg.

“While we all know this story, this is a very exciting twist on the traditional story,” said director Susan Sharp, assistant professor of theater and speech at Sandburg.

The play, adapted by Doris Baizley, follows the story of a traveling group of players putting on “A Christmas Carol.” The character who plays Scrooge gives up acting for potato farming, and the character playing Tiny Tim is fired for eating the Christmas dinner. Hours away from the opening show, the group must find a way to replace these two important roles.

Sharp also said the play is quite different because of the presence of commedia dell’arte — improvisational theater that includes clown-like characters.

“These clowns manipulate Scrooge’s world, while at the same time entertaining us greatly,” Sharp said.

The cast and crew for the show comprises Sandburg students, alumni and instructors. Cosmetology students from the Carl Sandburg College Annex in downtown Galesburg, under the direction of instructor Don Ulm, will do hair and makeup for the show.

“Don and his students bring such enthusiasm to the project that it’s contagious,” Sharp said. “Teamwork is what theater is about. No one can put a show on alone.”

Show time is 7 p.m. for each performance, and tickets will be available at the door beginning at 6 p.m. each night. Tickets are $5 for adults; $2 for senior citizens and area students; and free to Sandburg students, faculty and staff. Cookies and cocoa will be served and Christmas carols will be sung following each show.