Monday, November 29 2021 10:43

A Christmas Carol

Written by County Lines Magazine

at People's Light

A Brand-New Adaptation of A Christmas Carol at People’s Light, November 20 – January 2, 2022

Callous Scrooge, shackled Marley and the haunting spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future spring vividly to life in People’s Light’s world premiere adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Featuring a vibrant mix of original songs and newly arranged traditional carols, this music-infused retelling captures the magic, joy and generosity of the beloved classic in a whole new light.

People’s Light Producing Director Zak Berkman, who adapted the production, composes the music in collaboration with Music Supervisor and Arranger Mitch Chakour—a “musician’s musician” who’s toured with the likes of B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt and Joe Cocker. Though inspired by 19th-century English folk, the compositions and arrangements are layered with more contemporary sensibilities, creating a familiar, yet unique holiday sound. Get a sneak peek of the tunes online at PeoplesLight.org!

When first published, the full title of Dickens’ novella read A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas. Berkman subtitles his adaptation A Ghost Story of Grief & Generosity, a nod to the original, but illustrative of his fresh take on the holiday classic. At the top of the play, audiences are greeted by a “Kind Chorus” of traveling spirits, preparing to perform Scrooge’s story of greed, grief and redemption for today’s audiences.

“Like the ghosts who visit Scrooge, our production is a dialogue between the past, present and future,” says Berkman. “Developed throughout 2020 and 2021, this is a Christmas Carol for now—the themes of loss, generosity and the collective good resonate more than ever in our COVID-altered world. I’m hopeful newcomers and die-hard fans alike will delight in the Dickensian elements so many of us know and love, but also experience something new and surprising.”

Helmed by director David Bradley, this world premiere adaptation features a multi-talented, multi-generational cast of almost 20—from our own backyard to Broadway—led by Ian Merrill Peakes as Ebenezer Scrooge through December 23.

People’s Light regulars should note this season’s holiday offering is not a musical panto (a longtime tradition), but it is music-filled, interactive fun for every age—whether you believe in spirits or not.

If You Go

What: A Christmas Carol

Where: People’s Light, Leonard C. Haas Stage, 39 Conestoga Rd., Malvern

When: November 20 to January 2

More Info: 610-644-3500; PeoplesLight.org