Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Ring in the holiday season with Stephen F. Austin State University as the College of Fine Arts presents not one but two stage versions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” The first event is a musical extravaganza for the entire family, and the second is especially geared toward sharing the holiday classic with younger audiences.
Gather the family and celebrate the spirit of Christmas in spectacular fashion with PerSeverance Productions’ presentation of the holiday tale in a University Series performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.
“This production not only features top-flight professional performances, costumes and effects,” said Scott Shattuck, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts and director of the University Series, “it also incorporates dozens of actual Christmas carols! Everyone that attends will leave brimming with holiday cheer.”
Based upon Dickens’ famous classic, “A Christmas Carol” is a heartwarming story of the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from a greedy, heartless miser to a generous, loving friend to everyone. Three ghostly visits – from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future – leave an indelible impression on Scrooge. Filled with kindness and the true spirit of the Christmas season, Scrooge changes his selfish ways and opens his heart to those around him.
“With all the splendor, magic and joy of the holiday season, this fabulous gift of a show overflows with 26 beloved yuletide songs and warm good humor,” Shattuck said.
Prior to the show, Dr. Steven J. Marsden, professor in the Department of English and Creative Writing in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, will present an informative talk about Dickens and “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. in Griffith Gallery. The gallery is located across the hall from Turner Auditorium, which is inside the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive. The audience is invited back to the gallery for a post-performance reception to honor the show’s corporate sponsor, Nacogdoches Medical Center.
Single event ticket prices for the University Series are $30 for adults, $24 for seniors and $12 for non-SFA students/youth. Tickets for SFA students are $3.
The Children’s Performing Arts Series at SFA will present two performances of Virginia Repertory Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” on Thursday, Dec. 12, in Turner Auditorium. This version targets children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Performances are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Turner Auditorium. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.
“Students will delight in this classic tale of Scrooge, the ghosts, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim,” Peterson said. “Virginia Repertory Theatre brings all the characters to life on stage in this lively and heartwarming musical performance that brings all the joy, sentiment and meaning of Dickens’ story without being too scary for young audiences.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit finearts.sfasu.edu, stop by the Box Office in Room 211 of the Griffith Fine Arts Building, or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.