St. Bonaventure University’s Garret Theater will host a performance of “A Christmas Carol” to benefit the Warming House, the nation’s oldest student-run soup kitchen, at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5.
This interpretation of “A Christmas Carol” was adapted and will be performed by Ed. Simone, Ph.D., the director of the theater program. Simone will be offering the staged reading as a one-man show.
“I had the idea of a one-man show in my head for awhile,” said Simone. “I didn’t really start toying with the concept until this fall. I thought it was a perfect way to help the Warming House for Christmastime.”
Simone is no stranger to Charles Dickens’ famous publication; he has written three previous adaptations of “A Christmas Carol,” two of which have been performed at St. Bonaventure.
Simone has directed and produced numerous plays at St. Bonaventure and has worked as a guest actor for Off-Broadway, LORT, LOA and multiple touring productions.
This particular adaptation stresses the importance of Dickens as a narrator, the diversity of the characters and the city of London, said Simone.
The adaptation was written based off Dickens’ own readings of “A Christmas Carol” during his performing tours in America.
The short presentation will be about an hour and will have no intermission which, according to Simone, allows the audience to see the character development. Each character will have his or her own voice to help distinguish his or her personality.
“There are about 12 or 13 characters in this adaptation, and each will have their own accent and voice to give them their own identity,” said Simone.
Simone is able to benefit the Warming House through his membership of the Actors’ Equity Association, a labor union that represents American actors and stage managers. Actors’ Equity allows actors to produce and participate in benefit performances that represent reputable charities.
Emily Morris, vice president for University Relations, and Simone were able to contact the Warming House and plan the benefit.
“It’s really keeping with the spirit of Dickens’ work,” said Simone.
Tickets are $15 for the public and $10 for senior citizens. Students and faculty can reserve tickets by calling The Quick Center box office at 716-375-2494.
rootcm14@bonaventure.edu
