GSC Broadway in Barnesville Presents “A Christmas Carol” Adaptation
By Karolina Philmon, GSC Marketing Manager
Gordon State College Humanities and Fine and Performing Arts continues with their theatrical season with an adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens at the Fine Arts Theatre on Dec. 1-3 at 6:30 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 4, GSC dinning services will host a community brunch in the Highlander Hall at 11 a.m. followed by an afternoon performance of “A Christmas Carol” at 2 p.m.
The classic holiday play written by Dickens and adapted by Playwright Shannon Rood is a tale of compassion toward others and a change of self. It recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is a kinder man. GSC Director of Theatre Lisa Cesnik Ferguson said the 4-day run of performances will include music, dance, creepy puppets and an optional audience sing-along.
"Dickens’ intent is what drew me to this story. It’s an urgency to care for each other and ‘mankind is my business’ no matter what time of year, but especially during holidays,” Ferguson said. “The phrase ‘whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers’ has resonated in my imagination at each and every rehearsal. This enchanting and passionate cast will dazzle audiences."
GSC’s production of “A Christmas Carol” features Larry Stoermer, theatre major and army veteran from Pike County, as Ebenezer Scrooge; Will Pitts, theatre major from Pike County, as Ghost of Christmas Present and young Scrooge; Kara Tomlinson, theatre major from Henry County, as Ghost of Christmas Past; Austin Richard, theatre major from Bibb County, as Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come; and more. The production is directed by Ferguson; designed by Professor of Theatre Tony Pearson; and assistant directed by Madi Keener, GSC sophomore from Henry County; and Frances Turner, GSC student from Lamar County. Stage manager is Kirsten Kamradt, GSC student from Lamar County and technicians include GSC students Lexi Blake from Walton County and Jack Whitaker from DeKalb County. Straight from the set of a Marvel movie, costume design is by Atlanta designer Amanda Edgerton. Puppet design is by Broadway designer Zach Broome. The choreography is by Riley Deel, theatre major from Pike County. Musical arrangements are by Pitts, Tomlinson, Deel, Ferguson, and Jordan Parker, theatre major.
Admission to “A Christmas Carol” is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for children 12 and under, or free admission with packaged food for GSC Highlander House. Complimentary admission for all Gordon students, faculty and staff. Sunday Brunch and a Show is $16 plus tax and includes breakfast bites, a main course and assorted desserts.
"Come see Broadway in Barnesville. Why? Because you can, right here in beautiful Barnesville, Georgia on the GSC campus. What an enormous loss to all of us, if you couldn't. A timeless tale, music, lights, puppets, dancing, costumes, and joy. Don't cheat yourself out of this remarkable, magical experience," Ferguson said.
The 2022-23 GSC theatre season is made possible in part through a generous grant from Upson EMC in Thomaston, Georgia and Board of Trustees member, Dan White, with the endowed Constance H. Chinery Fine and Performing Arts Support Fund.