By Patricia Rettig
In time for the holidays and on select dates only, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents its special one-hour production of the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol. This timeless story is enhanced with music and live on stage through Dec. 20.
The play centers on Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly businessman whose bitterness has increased with age. He cares little for the needs of his fellow man, preferring to keep money in his pocket rather than coal on the fire. His employee, Bob Cratchit, faithfully endures the ongoing chill from both his workplace and his boss.
Faithfully, he keeps Scrooge in his prayers even through his own family is struggling to survive on the meager salary he earns. The health of Cratchit’s young son, Tiny Tim, is as poor as the family is financially, but Scrooge’s heart is unmoved and his coffers remain unopened.
Scrooge’s inhumanity becomes so intense that it stirs the spirit of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, who appears to him on Christmas Eve. Marley tells Scrooge he will be visited by three more spirits, and advises him to heed the messages they bring. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come then appear to Scrooge in succession – reminding him of what was, showing what is, and warning him what will be should he continue on his present path.
Not only will his life be quickly forgotten if he maintains his miserly ways, but those around him face hardships that he could have easily prevented.
Jeff Stockberger stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this story of forgiveness and second chances. Haunting him as the spirits are Erin Cohenour (Ghost of Christmas Past), Craig Underwood (Christmas Present) and Steve Greist (Christmas Yet To Come). Darrin Murrell of Parker City plays Bob Cratchit with his own children Sofia Murrell as Belinda Cratchit and Sage Barber Murrell as Tiny Tim. Carrie S. Neal is Mrs. Cratchit, with Isaac Herzog as Peter Cratchit and Kennedy Martin as Martha Cratchit. Collin Poynter plays the storyteller. Jacob Marley is played by Eddie Curry, while Theresa Koleszar, Kellie Cullinan and Michael Davis round out the cast.
A Christmas Carol ● Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre ● 9301 N. Michigan Rd. in Indianapolis ● Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; Buffet from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Show at 1 p.m. Dec. 10, 13, 16, 17 and 20; Evening show starts at 8 p.m. Dec. 16 ● Tickets range from $24 to $34 ● For more information call 872-9664