Dickens classic presented as radio show
Charles Dickens classic Christmas story featuring Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghosts of past, present and future was performed at the Wolf River Community Theatre in a new medium last weekend. If you missed it, you have a choice of two showings this weekend.
A radio show written for the stage by James Lawrence and Margie Brown, complete with sound effects and talented voice actors, carried the story along.
Laura Mueller's entrance as Rosie the Riveter suggests the radio show takes place during World War II. Radio commercials and announcements for buying War Bonds cement the idea.
Radio ads include local businesses like Cristy's Department Store, Quality Markets, Pichelmeyer's, and City Dry Cleaners. A Pepsi commercial adds another boost to what life was like listening to the radio as a form of entertainment.
Casting was spot on for many, including Ebenezer Scrooge, as Skot Spencer took the reins. His articulation and facial expressions add to his well developed character.
As the radio station director and announcer, Craig LeBeau has a smooth, mellow voice used to transition from the radio show to commercials and announcements. He is the voice of authority when needed as well.
Narrator Chris Clowtis introduces the audience to the Dickens story by reading, "Marley was dead to begin with." His voice was consistent and provided easy listening.
Jim Sexton used an enhanced sound system to portray Jacob Marley's ghost, while Sound Effects Engineer Jim Villiesse shook the weighty chains that surrounded Marley in his eternal state. Patty Jensen coordinated door slamming, bells ringing, footsteps, and a large variety of sounds that enhanced the performance.
Other cast members - Ruth Littmann, Chris Renner, Debbie Martin and Sandy Renner - may have played a smaller role, but were solid as well.
The Wolf River Theatrical Troupe also included many well spoken youngsters who presented a confident stage presence, ranging from about age 8 - 18. They also fill in as carolers, whom Scrooge is aggravated with at the start, but learns to love by the conclusion of the classic story.
You may discover, like I did, that you pay more attention to the words of Dickens in this format, than you might by watching a movie. The production is cohesive and friendly to audience goers, who have a small part in the show as well.
Dec. 9 offers a 7:30 p.m. curtain, while Dec. 10 has a 2 p.m. matinee. See the show at Wolf River Community Theatre, 225 W. North Water Street. Reserve your $10 tickets by calling Judy at 920-982-6060.
In January, the Wolf River Community Theatre will be relocating to the Wolf River Plaza, directly behind the Grand Theatre. Look for an upcoming story in the County Post East.
A radio show written for the stage by James Lawrence and Margie Brown, complete with sound effects and talented voice actors, carried the story along.
Laura Mueller's entrance as Rosie the Riveter suggests the radio show takes place during World War II. Radio commercials and announcements for buying War Bonds cement the idea.
Radio ads include local businesses like Cristy's Department Store, Quality Markets, Pichelmeyer's, and City Dry Cleaners. A Pepsi commercial adds another boost to what life was like listening to the radio as a form of entertainment.
Casting was spot on for many, including Ebenezer Scrooge, as Skot Spencer took the reins. His articulation and facial expressions add to his well developed character.
As the radio station director and announcer, Craig LeBeau has a smooth, mellow voice used to transition from the radio show to commercials and announcements. He is the voice of authority when needed as well.
Narrator Chris Clowtis introduces the audience to the Dickens story by reading, "Marley was dead to begin with." His voice was consistent and provided easy listening.
Jim Sexton used an enhanced sound system to portray Jacob Marley's ghost, while Sound Effects Engineer Jim Villiesse shook the weighty chains that surrounded Marley in his eternal state. Patty Jensen coordinated door slamming, bells ringing, footsteps, and a large variety of sounds that enhanced the performance.
Other cast members - Ruth Littmann, Chris Renner, Debbie Martin and Sandy Renner - may have played a smaller role, but were solid as well.
The Wolf River Theatrical Troupe also included many well spoken youngsters who presented a confident stage presence, ranging from about age 8 - 18. They also fill in as carolers, whom Scrooge is aggravated with at the start, but learns to love by the conclusion of the classic story.
You may discover, like I did, that you pay more attention to the words of Dickens in this format, than you might by watching a movie. The production is cohesive and friendly to audience goers, who have a small part in the show as well.
Dec. 9 offers a 7:30 p.m. curtain, while Dec. 10 has a 2 p.m. matinee. See the show at Wolf River Community Theatre, 225 W. North Water Street. Reserve your $10 tickets by calling Judy at 920-982-6060.
In January, the Wolf River Community Theatre will be relocating to the Wolf River Plaza, directly behind the Grand Theatre. Look for an upcoming story in the County Post East.
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