SBU Theater is performing their adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” November 8-10 at 7:30 p.m., as well as a special 2 p.m. matinee Saturday in the Garret Theater.
Adapted by Dr. Ed Simone, director of the theater program at St. Bonaventure University, the play is set to include seven actors, as well as four puppets. “A Christmas Carol” has been performed by the department several times, but this is the first time this particular version is being performed.
“I love it. I really just love it. It means a lot to me. It’s just a wonderful play,” said Simone, who first toured with “A Christmas Carol” in 1995.
Simone said he has fallen in love with it ever since.
The cast has been working diligently since the first week of the semester on the play, especially because the seven actors, including Simone, will be playing over 20 different roles throughout the play. Since auditions on Sept. 3, dedicated actors and technical assistants have been spending between 10 and 15 hours a week perfecting the play.
“It’s really exciting, we’ve got so many people involved from so many different areas. Just the opportunity to work with students on stage is so exciting,” said Simone.
Arguably, the most unique aspect of the play is the use of puppets alongside the actors.
“I toyed around with using puppets while writing my first draft in 2009,” said Simone. “They evoke a different emotion from the audience. It’s really visceral. I just love the way it works. I thought, ‘Let’s do it. It’s fun.’”
The puppets, which were created by 2004 SBU Theater alumnus Ally Herryman, include Tiny Tim, the ghostly children of Ignorance and Want and the seven-foot Ghost of Christmas yet to come. Herryman worked remotely from her job in Michigan, collaborating with the department to help create the ideal assortment of puppets.
Since graduating, Herryman kept a close connection with Simone and the theater department, assisting them in several different productions, including “Hamlet,” where she helped create the puppet for Hamlet’s father’s ghost.
Simone noted that the production also would not have been possible without the help of the tech crew, student props designer, technicians, stage manager, wardrobe crew, a Museum of Fine Arts guest and many other people who worked behind the scenes to perfect the production.
The St. Bonaventure community, as well as the public, are welcome to attend the performance. Tickets are $8 for the general public and $6 for St. Bonaventure students, employees and senior citizens. Free students rush tickets are also available an hour before the show on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, call the box office at (716) 375-2494.
By Julia Schneider, Contributing Writer
schneije18@bonaventure.edu
