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'Scrooge's Christmas' features highlights from Dickens classic

Every holiday season, at least one local theater group stages "A Christmas Carol," Charles Dickens' classic story of greed and redemption.

At Playhouse 38 in Geneva, the curtain will soon rise on "Scrooge's Christmas," a shortened adaptation featuring actors narrating as well as acting out certain scenes from the play.

Performances of "Scrooge's Christmas" are set for 7 p.m. Fridays; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 11-13 and 18-20, Playhouse 38, 524 W. State St., lower level, Geneva.

The Daily Herald caught up with Lisa Pivaronas, who directs the play, to find out what audiences can expect.

Q. Why did you choose "Scrooge's Christmas" for your holiday play?

Lisa Pivaronas. "Scrooge's Christmas," written by Ken Jones, is a shortened version of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol." One of the reasons I chose this show is that the story moves at a quicker pace, but the lessons Scrooge learns and the humor of the story are still heartfelt.

Q. What have been some of the challenges in putting together this production?

Pivaronas. With 20 actors participating and having the story narrated by multiple actors, getting everyone on and offstage and costumes changed quickly has been a challenge. However, we have mastered it and look forward to showing audiences the fun adaptation in the next two weekends.

Another challenge is getting Dave Hodges, the actor who plays both Bob Cratchit and Marley, the first ghost Scrooge encounters, into costume. The ghost character has a full face of makeup and is laden with chains, and (has to) get it all off even quicker to come back on as Bob Cratchit. Getting that system perfected has led to many laughs when he has run back on stage with bits of ghostly makeup still on.

Q. What has been the most rewarding or gratifying?

Pivaronas. One of the most rewarding things about working with this cast is seeing family members come together and act for the first time. Geneva residents Jami and Helen Johnson (mother/ daughter) and John and Kaitlyn Kanthak (father/daughter) are all part of this talented cast. In addition, bringing a Christmas classic to life on stage for the Geneva community to enjoy is also a gratifying experience.

Q. What do you think audiences will like best about this show?

Pivaronas. I think the audiences will enjoy the journey that Scrooge takes them on in learning what really matters. The Christmas carols sung throughout the show are truly wonderful - Elizabeth Scheffler is our vocal director - and our costumes are magnificent. Jamie Kendall has costumed almost all of my shows and she has designed and made outfits for our cast that are so beautiful. She goes the extra mile to make each cast member so special and so cared for.

Q. How many shows have you directed for Playhouse 38? What else is coming up for the theater company?

Pivaronas. One of the most rewarding things to me is that I get to be a part of telling a wonderful holiday classic through actors who love what they do and are extremely talented. I have directed 12 of the last 18 shows here at Playhouse 38 and I look forward to doing many more. In fact, our next production is "Things My Mother Taught Me," a funny and touching story that will make you fall in love all over again. Auditions are from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 19 and 20 at Playhouse 38. Performances are March 17-20 with both matinee and evening options available.

Q. We heard that Santa will be putting in an appearance at selected performances of "Scrooge's Christmas."

Pivaronas. Yes, Santa will make a special appearance and be available for photos after the shows on Dec. 11, 13 and 18.

Tickets are $10. Call (630) 232-4542.

Lessons learned: What actors are saying about 'Scrooge's Christmas'

If you go

What: Playhouse 38 production of "Scrooge's Christmas"

When: 7 p.m. Fridays; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 11-13 and 18-20

Where: Playhouse 38, 524 W. State St., lower level, Geneva.

Santa visits: Santa will be available for photos after the shows on Dec. 11, 13 and 18.

Tickets: $10, available at Sunset Community Center, 710 Western Ave., Geneva.

Details: <a href="http://www.genevaparks.org">genevaparks.org</a> or (630) 232-4542.

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