Dickens Came to Evansville
Christmas Tea, Christmas Magic, Christmas Memories
On the weekend of December 4 & 5, as the snow fell softly from the sky, around 250 people gathered on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon at Railroad & 2nd Event Center in Evansville to attend Dickens by Candlelight.
No “Bah Humbug” Here!
Four professional actors from Orlando, Florida - David & Morgan Russell and Terry & Robin Olson - invited everyone into the Christmas spirit with their adaptation of Dickens, A Christmas Carol. The show was acted out amongst guests enjoying tables laden with cookies and tea. At times guests were asked to participate in the show, standing tall as Ali Baba in the memories of Scrooge visited by the ghost of Christmas past, or maybe in a dance or game with the Cratchets or Scrooge's nephew. Watching the faces of guests young and old around the tables, one could see that they were caught up in the moment by moment drama of it all. Outbursts of laughter filled the room as some of the humor spilled out through the retelling of the tale. The play ended after Tiny Tim's proclamation of "God bless us, everyone!" with the audience all joining in the singing of Silent Night. The tears slipped softly down my face as my dream of bringing this show to Evansville and the surrounding area had come true. The magic was felt here!
Exhilaration, Entertainment, Education
Brandon-Evansville Theater Students
After a weekend of performing, Monday morning found the actors going to the Brandon-Evansville School district to work with a group of high school students involved in the theater program led by teachers Dan Olson and Erika Olson. The students participated in theatrical warm-ups, exercised projecting of voice and energy, and shared snippets from A Christmas Carol. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to interact with professional actors who have roots in Minnesota, as over 40 years ago Terry & David were involved in the Renaissance Festival in the Twin Cities. Perhaps some of these local students will entertain us with Christmas tales in the future.
All the Arts for All the People
How grateful I am for the Evansville Arts Coalition board members and volunteers, Lake Region Arts Council, John & LeAnn Strand with Railroad & 2nd Event Center, and the many friends, neighbors and acquaintances throughout the Evansville area who came together to make this show possible!
Deb Berry, Project Manager
Evansville Arts Coalition
Continued support of the Evansville Arts Coalition is so vital for us to keep bringing quality arts activities like this to our area. We are a a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization. Please consider us when planning your year-end giving. Your donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.