Licking County Players present 'A Christmas Carol'

• Licking County Players is bringing the classic, "A Christmas Carol" to Newark.
• The production kicks off Thursday and continues until Dec. 13.

NEWARK - The last time the Licking County Players performed "A Christmas Carol" was 1984 at the former Auditorium Theatre.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary season, the theater group is bringing back some of its most beloved shows.

But when the curtain opens Thursday, audience members will be able to enjoy a version of the Charles Dickens story they've probably never seen before.

"It's got such a new, fresh twist to it," said director Aara Wise. "It's a very updated version, although the message and the storyline are still the same."

Wise said tickets are going fast for the Christmas musical, which will be performed at the LCP theater until Dec. 13.

"It's family-oriented, that's the number one thing," Wise said. "It's fun, it's lighthearted and it also conveys an important lesson."

The cast of 30 actors will perform a version of the show created in 1994 by Alan Menken, Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens. Menken is known for his musical work in Disney movies, including "The Little Mermaid."

The music is a huge part of the production, but the audience also will be able to enjoy intriguing costumes and special effects, Wise said.

The set has been designed to move, opening up like a story book, she said.

The show has set a record for the largest family to all participate in an LCP show, Wise said. The eight members of the Wright family are participating in the show, playing the Cratchit family.

From adorable children to spooky ghosts, the production offers something for everyone, Wise said.

"I truly feel this is a show that conveys such a wonderful message all the way through, everyone can learn something from it," he said.

For local actor Dennis Kohler, the musical offered him the chance to play one of his dream roles.

"I've done over 300 shows locally, and Scrooge has been on my bucket list for quite a while," he said,

He said he enjoys being able to portray a mean character who goes through a drastic redemption in the end.

The play is perfect for the season, he added.

"This show exemplifies the spirit of Christmas," he said. "If you don't have the Christmas spirit by the time you leave this show, something is wrong with you."

ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8544

Twitter: @amsjeffries 

If You Go

What: "A Christmas Carol"

When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Dec. 10-12, 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 13

Where: Licking County Players, 131 W. Main St., Newark

Cost: $10-$15

More info: Go to lickingcountyplayers.org or call 740-349-2287