Noblesville East Middle School to stage rhyming twist on Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’

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It’s a tale most know by heart, but Noblesville East Middle School is performing a version of “A Christmas Carol” that is different and should appeal to all ages from Dec. 5 through 7. “A Seussified Christmas Carol” is a whimsical reinvention of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets.

“It’s very difficult at times to memorize all the lines,” said Simon Greenaway, seventh grader. “It is very fun. It adds a lot of humors to the writing.”

Greenaway is starring in his second school production. Last year, he was a munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz.”

“I’m very nervous,” he said. “It’s a big step up. I went from one line to hundreds.”

Portraying Scrooge is a stretch to Greenaway, who is normally a happy student.

“During practices I often crack a smile. It’s something I’m trying to stop,” he said. “It’s a little different but fun to be angry.”

Greenaway said he hopes the audience, like his character, learns what’s important around the holidays from watching the show.

“Being nice is a good thing,” he said.

Eighth-grade students Madison Surface and Sammy Snyder serve as narrators for the show. Each has been involved with every show in their three years at NEMS.

“I love how unique it is. The humor in it and the different characters,” Surface said. “My character is a lot more humorous and a little more immature than I am. … It’s a great feeling whenever I step on stage and become a different person.”

“I love the costumes and humor,” Snyder said. “It’s a really unique and funny show.”

“A Seussified Christmas Carol” is the first time Surface and Snyder have ever had lines in a play.

“We had some fun being in the ensembles but didn’t have any lines. We’re getting to grow together,” Snyder said.

The show is led by first-time director Jen Dunham.

“It’s like herding cats, but it’s tons of fun,” she said. “I was really involved in theater growing up and have a theater background and worked the stage crew. It’s really fun to be in the driver’s seat – and a lot of hours as well.”

Dunham said what she enjoys most are the students and that time management and organization have been the most difficult.

“There are a lot of moving parts that all have to come together,” she said.

Dunham said the school typically does a musical each fall but decided to try a comedy this year.

“We wanted to give students without strong vocals the opportunity to come out and shine,” she said. “Middle school kids are so funny and they have no idea how funny they are.”

“A Seussified Christmas Carol” ● Ivy Tech Community College-Noblesville, 300 N. 17th St. ● 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 ● Cost is $3 for students and $5 for adults. Tickets may be purchased during student lunches at NEMS or by e-mailing [email protected]. ● noblesvilleschools.schoolwires.net/Page/4382

Who’s involved?

Director: Jen Dunham

Cast: Simon Greenaway as The Scrooge; Madison Surface, Narrator No. 1; Sammy Snyder, Narrator No. 2; Evan Meinerding, Jake Marley; Kearns Nelson, Bob Cratchit/Young Scrooge;

Zachary Abel, Bed-Headed Fred; Bella York, The Ghost of Christmas Past; Camryn Barnett, The Ghost of Christmas Present; Gwen Goizueta, Mrs. Cratchit; Zachary Hillers, Ringo Cratchit; Natalie Gee, Sally Cratchit; Paige O’Dell, Timmy Loo Hoo; Lexi Leisure, Belle; Jacob Shankland, Boy Scrooge; and Ryann Anderson, Aubrey Brolsma, Jordan Carpenter and Jeremiah Washington as the group of carolers.

Other cast members include: MaryClare Burch, Karleigh Derleth, Makayla Smith, Tyler Fouts, Caroline Whitesel, Matthew Borders, Garrett Collins, Colleen Place, Christina Berger, Aubrey Brolsma, Hannah Stapleton, Jordan Carpenter, Morgan Hall, Elli McIntyre, Matthew Preble, Kenzi Short, Nichele Washington, Ariel Peek, Jordan Skrief, Noelle Dennis, Karina Dunaway, Olivia Gulley, Rileigh McKivigan and Taylor Spice.

Crew: Cas Regan, Natalie Kraay, Courtney Penwell, Kasey Ronk, Kristen Wentz, Megan Kraay, Samantha Cox, Olivia Lykins, Andrea Rexrode, Julia Libby, Joy Corbett, Grace Tuesca, Peter Clark, Sam VanMeter, Erica Flook, Joshua Beck, Kyle Anderson, Lilianna Howell, Blake Moore and Sophia Maier.

Costumes: Haley Gundersen, Emily Beck, Nevaeh O’Dell and Natalie Skelton.


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