The beloved Christmas movie comes to life as Greenville Little Theatre presents this delightful stage adaptation which features Ralphie’s quest for that Red Ryder BB gun. We “triple-dog-dare you” to join us for this Christmas classic!
Performances are at 8:00 pm on December 18-20, and at 3:00 pm on December 14th and 21st.
From its first publication, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has charmed and inspired millions. There have been scores of editions and translations, and many stage, TV and film adaptations, making it one of the best-loved stories of all time. Written when the celebrated writer was facing serious financial problems, Charles Dickens was inspired to write a Christmas story for the people who lived and struggled with the same fears and longings as he – a story that would provide cheer and hope. What begun as a plan to rescue him from debt began to work a change in the author. As he wrote about the kind of Christmas he loved – joyous family parties with clusters of mistletoe hanging from the ceiling; cheerful carols, games, dances and gifts; delicious feasts – the joy of the season began to alleviate his depression. Dickens began writing his story in October, finishing it by the end of November in time to be published for Christmas. In time, “A Christmas Carol” has become both a Christmas tradition and Dickens’ best known book.
Written in 1843, during the Victorian era, Dickens’s emphasis in “A Christmas Carol” was on family values and the spirit of Christmas. Not only did Dickens popularize many aspects of the holiday we celebrate today, he also created one of the greatest characters in literature. Ebenezer Scrooge is probably one of the most well known misers in literary history, and has become, over time, a symbol for the transformation of the spirit. In the story, Ebenezer Scrooge is a cold-hearted, tight-fisted and greedy man – a penny-pinching miser in the first degree. He cares nothing for the people around him and mankind exists only for the money that could be made through exploitation and intimidation. He particularly despises Christmas and all things which create happiness.
The tale of Scrooge’s redemption by the three Ghosts of Christmas has become one of the defining tales of the Christmas holiday. The bitter old man is converted by: detailed memories of his lonely childhood; an awakened vision of the suffering and joys of those presently around him; and his fear of future loneliness and the awareness of his own mortality. Scrooge wakes from his dreams with newfound goodwill, warmth, and generosity. Dickens hoped to illustrate how insensitive people can be converted into charitable and caring members of society.
For additional information please visit www.greenvillelittletheatre.org.