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The spirit of
Christmas flew through Monmouth last weekend as Crimson Masque, in
collaboration with the Buchanan Center for the Arts, performed
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in Wells Theater from Nov. 29
through Dec. 1. Bill Wallace, professor of communication and
theater arts, directed the show.
When asked why
Monmouth College performs this particular play every other year,
Wallace stated, “We think it is important for us to do outreach
activities, involving others periodically beyond the campus. Also,
since many of our students will work in community theater
operations, it is helpful for them to see how this type of theater
works.”
Wallace declared
this year’s production a success artistically, “as well as a
success in terms of getting the audience in the holiday spirit.”
This success is evident in the estimated 800 who made up the total
number of audience attendees.
Doubling as a
student director and as the ominous Ghost of Christmas Yet to
Come, senior Valerie Keys has been a very busy theater member this
holiday season. Keys, thinking back on the best and worst of her
theater involvement this year, says, “The best part was seeing the
growth behind the production and working with all the talented
people. The worst part of the play is that it is over.” Four
shows, over 40 hours of rehearsal and several “bah humbugs” later,
this timeless classic is a wrap, but the joy it has brought to its
cast, crew and audiences is sure to be felt throughout the season.
Ebeneezer Scrooge,
played by freshman Trevor Newton, teaches the true meaning of
Christmas and life, but he also taught something to the actor
playing him. Newton states, “While I was performing the role, it
gave me a chance to be someone I am not and experience the world
in a different light. It made me realize that there is no reason
to hate the world; you must first look inside yourself and release
the chains that you bear in order to accept others into your
heart.” Now that is the true meaning of Christmas!
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