The spirit of the holidays will come gift-wrapped in “A Christmas Carol, the Musical.” A large theatrical cast brings the retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic to Columbus Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21.
The Master’s Theatre — Terri Gillis — and Columbus Christian Academy — drama instructor Ray Campbell — team up to present the lively production at Joe Cook Auditorium at 7 p.m.
Co-directors Gillis and Campbell have worked together before. Audiences may recall Campbell’s previous portrayal of Andy Griffith, and other roles, in plays put on by the then-active YMCA drama troupe, which Gillis directed.
The Master’s Theatre is an outgrowth of that. A substantial number of the cast and crew are veterans of the former productions.
“It’s amazing how many people, even backstage, have volunteered again to be a part of this. It’s a family, a reunion,” Gillis said, noting that the cast numbers about 45 people.
The name Master’s Theatre denotes more than one meaning.
“We do this for the glory of the Lord,” said Gillis, of the primary significance of “master’s.” “And we’re training actors to master the art of theater.”
The Christmas presentation is light-hearted, and the message is an important one.
“We have to look after each other, to be mindful of each other,” Gillis continued. “That’s why I chose this play: it has so many pearls in it to teach us some Biblical truths.”
Tommy Parsons of Columbus portrays the curmudgeon Scrooge. The 2014 Mississippi University for Women graduate and theater major was 7 years old when he and Gillis first worked together. In 2009, he even played “young Scrooge” in the Gillis-directed production of Dickens’ story.
Now 23, Parsons is channeling a character much older.
“For me, the challenge is just the physicality, disciplining myself not to move as a 23-year-old would do.” The two-act play has “tons of humor,” he added.
Ralph Carter’s background is in business and banking, but he finds portraying the Ghost of Christmas Present a good creative outlet.
“‘A Christmas Carol’ is actually one of my favorite movies around Christmas,” said the BankFirst Financial Services officer who has gone to some length to create his costume. He takes inspiration from the film.
“When I get into this, I want to get into it all; in making my costume, I wanted to make sure everything is the way I envision it.”
A special perk is that Carter’s 8-year-old daughter, Cassie, is in the play as well. The shared experience will make memories for father and daughter.
How to go
Performances are at 7 p.m. in the Joe Cook Elementary Magnet School Auditorium at 2217 Seventh St. N. Tickets are $5 in advance, available at Columbus Christian Academy at 6405 Military Road, or BankFirst at 900 Main St. Tickets are $6 at the door.
Pianist Vaughn Nichols provides musical accompaniment for the play. Leigh Murphree is choreographer.
For more information, contact Columbus Christian Academy, 662-328-7888.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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