Matchbox Children’s Theatre presents ‘A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol’
Published 8:28 am Thursday, December 7, 2017
- Jacob Midas (Paul Burger) visits the Big Bad Wolf (Randy Forster) during rehearsal for the upcoming Matchbox Children’s Theatre production of “A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol.” Eric Johnson/ photodesk @austindaily herald.com
Season will concentrate on scripts based on books
Matchbox Children’s Theatre will begin its 43rdSeason by performing “A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol” this weekend at the Historic Paramount Theatre.
Based on the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol,” the story is told using characters from well-known fairy tales, such as “The Three Little Pigs,” “Cinderella,” and “Jack and the Beanstalk.”
The show is co-directed by Janet Anderson and Cate Goodnature.
“We decided this season to concentrate on scripts based on books as a way to promote literacy and reading as well as theatre,” Anderson said. “We really liked this one and it fits the theme. We liked taking a classic like ‘A Christmas Carol’ and giving it a spin that presents it to kids in an imaginative way.”
The role of Ebenezer Scrooge is replaced by the Big Bad Wolf, the Ghost of Jacob Marley is King Midas with the golden touch, while Bob Cratchit and his wife are none other than Philip Charming and wife, Cinderella.
Their children are Hansel and Gretel and the Little Match Girl as Tiny Tim. Other roles to look for are the Three Little Pigs, Mary Quite Contrary, Old King Cole, Goldilocks, and the Queen of Hearts. Mother Goose narrates the story.
Several actors play more than one role, Anderson said.
“It’s really excellent entertainment,” Anderson said. “It’s fun, and it’s a great family outing. When we say all ages, we mean that. You don’t have to have a child to enjoy this show. We think it’s a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.”
“Attending a play at the Paramount enhances the experience,” she added. “The atmosphere never fails to get ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ from kids and adults. It really enhances the experience.”
“A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol” will be performed at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, and at a new time, per audience request, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. A matinee performance will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for ages 14 and under and free for ages two and under. A special price of $1 for a child ticket per paid adult ticket will be offered for the Saturday show to bring awareness to the new time. Tickets can be purchased in advance at austinareaarts.org and at the Austin ArtWorks Center during regular business hours. Tickets may also be purchased at the
door one hour before the show.
Other Matchbox Children’s Theatre productions for the 43rd Season include “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Stuart Little.”
Cast
Mother Goose – Kim Potter
Big Bad Wolf – Randy Forster
Philip Charming – Ed Dreyer
Pig, Bale – Peytyn Johnson
Pig, Twig – Kamari Regner
Pig, Brick – Megan Dilley-Jones
Jack (Nephew) – Emily McAlister
Cinderella Charming – Lydia Wik
Gretel Charming – Becca Wicks
Hansel Charming – Ray Wicks
Tabitha Charming – Kalli Potter
Jacob Midas and Old King Cole – Paul Burger
Fairy Godmother Meriwether and Mary Quite Contrary – Deidre Smith
Little Bo Peep and Miss Muffet – Amata Whiteside
Mary Had a Little Lamb and Red Riding Hood – Allie Alm
Little Wolf and Black Sheep – Ryan Capp
Fan, Elf, and Londoner Extra – Sawyer Graff
Mrs. Fezziwig and Queen of Hearts – Andie Lewis
Medium Wolf and Peter Piper – Michael Miles
Goldilocks and Snow White – Diann Smith
Elf and Londoner Extra – Hannah Maxwell
Elf and Londoner Extra – Aubrey Mikyla
Londoner Extra – Pal Koak
Crew
Directors – Janet Anderson and Cate Goodnature
Scenic Designer – Randy Forster
Technical Director/Construction – Scott Anderson, assisted by Katie Hunerdosse, Paul Burger
Costumes – Cate Goodnature
Costume Assistants – Janet Anderson, Randy Forster, Cindy Bellrichard
Backstage Manager – Pal Koak
Backstage Assistant – Andie Lewis
Production Crew – Katie Hunerdosse, Randy Forster, Paul Burger, Cate Goodnature, Janet Anderson
Light and Sound Design – Scott Anderson
Sound Operator – Colin Walsh
Lighting Operator – Bryce Garroway