Mundelein Arts Commission to stage free 'Christmas Carol'

For the second year, the Mundelein Arts Commission will present the original musical version of "A Christmas Carol" to enhance the local holiday scene.

The show, written by MAC chair Joyce Becker Lee and directed by MAC Commissioner Jon Matousek and Lee, creates a bright, musical look at the classic Dickens story. Accompaniment and musical assistance are once again provided by local musician Kai Funahashi.

Cast and crew include adults and children from all over the area, including Mundelein residents Randy Rice, Mike Lieberman, Jeff Griffith, Ayden Macias and Linnea List; along with Lisa Soare of Lake Zurich; Betty Slack of Grayslake; Gretchen Grassl of Arlington Heights; Jared Kilbourne of Des Plaines; and Riley Kuhn and Stella Buisson of Wauconda.

The crew includes stage manager Brian Motyka, technical director Gary Gunther, set design by Ashlie Macias, and house manager Sue Matousek, with help from Sue Esson. The village liaison to the show is Jessica Marvin.

Last year the show was presented as a radio broadcast set during World War II, and this year's script has been modified to be presented as Reader's Theater, where the performers carry their scripts and use limited, representational movement.

Actors play several parts, and costume accents will help define those different roles.

"We are delighted to be bringing this heartwarming show to the public again, and it's been so much fun working with this dedicated group" Lee said.

"It's been a joy to work on this project again with Joyce," Matousek said. "We have a talented troupe and crew who will tell the classic story with Dickens-ian charm and present original heartwarming songs that will stay in your heads for the entire holiday season."

Performances will open in coordination with Mundelein's Winterfest, with two shows at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3. Other performances will be at 2 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 4 and 11; and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. All shows will be presented in the Mundelein Village Boardroom, 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein.

Tickets are free, but reservations are requested, as limited seating is available. For tickets, visit forms.gle/pQowVM3v3SUUamwp7 or the Mundelein Arts Commission website, www. Mundelein.org/mac.

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