Town Players To Host Auditions For ‘A Christmas Carol’

Town Players of Newtown announces an open casting call for Charles Dickens’ perennial Christmas favorite. A Christmas Carol. Nearly everyone is familiar with the tale, but this version is a little different than your average production.

The show’s charm lies in its simplicity and the fact that nearly every single word of this adaptation comes from Dickens’ own words, which simply and directly tells the story of the redemption of a human soul. A child who is supposed to be doing his homework is reading A Christmas Carol instead, and as if by magic, becomes a part of the story. This version was written by Christopher Schario and was first performed at The Public Theatre in Lewiston, Me., in 1994.

The show calls for a company of six versatile actors, each of whom play many different roles, and a violinist to provide live music and, at times, take part in the action onstage. This kind of show is an actor’s dream, as it provides an opportunity to branch out in a number of directions. It’s also a true ensemble piece, calling for the actors and musician to truly work together in harmony.

The show will be directed by Gene Golaszewski, who is looking for three men (age range 25-60), two women (age range 25-50), one young person, either a boy or girl (age range 10-12), and an accomplished violinist who can improvise and work directly with the actors (and has one spoken line).

One additional person is needed to create the sound effects onstage, and to play the non-speaking part of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Auditions will consist of selected readings from the script.

They will be held Sunday, September 13, from 6 to 8 pm, and Monday, September 14, from 7:30 to 9 pm, at the theater, Orchard Hill Road in Newtown.

Performance dates are scheduled for November 20 to December 6, Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as afternoon matinees on Sundays, November 29 and December 6.

Stage hands and tech crew are also going to be needed. Experience is helpful but not necessary; training will be provided. If interested, attend the auditions or contact the theater.

For further information send email to TownPlayers@yahoo.com or call 270-9144.