South Elgin High School to stage ‘A Christmas Carol’

Holly McNeill, director of South Elgin High School’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” chose the perennial favorite for a personal reason.

“It’s my husband’s favorite Christmas story,” McNeill said.

Even if that wasn’t so, “A Christmas Carol” would still be a safe bet; it is one of the most universally known and beloved holiday tales.

“It’s a profound story and that’s why so many theater companies continue to produce that show, year after year,” McNeill said.

“Scrooge is a stock character: the miserly man who wants to keep his money, but there’s more to it,” she said. “(Charles) Dickens takes that character and creates a very complicated character who is unlikable and often repulsive to people. He purposefully does this to create a wonderful story of redemption, where Scrooge gets a second chance.”

Once set on the story, McNeill began the auditioning process and was genuinely surprised at the result.

“We got a very talented cast with students who have exceptional talent,” she said.

To portray Scrooge, McNeill chose 17-year-old senior Caleb Noffsinger of South Elgin, a young man she has worked with on a number of productions over his high school career.

“Something happened and he showed me the beginning of a very complicated character that often gets stereotyped,” she said.

Noffsinger understands the complexity of the role, but thinks the most difficult aspect of the part is transforming himself into Ebenezer Scrooge.

“The biggest challenge has been playing someone opposite from who I am,” he said.

In order to study the characteristics of the much-older character, Noffsinger has been studying the vast library of “Christmas Carol” interpretations on screen.

“I watched movies and looked how people acted,” he said.

Although a major deviation from the well-known character would be an unwise choice as an actor, Noffsinger is hoping to add some comedic touches to his portrayal.

“Like poking people with my cane and throwing money at them,” he said.

Another aspect of the show that may differ from other local productions is the hiring of the Chicago Fly House, a company that offers equipment and instruction in theatrical flight.

“It’s something that goes around your waist and when you pull on a rope you go up,” Noffsinger said of the procedure. “It’s fun. If you lean forward you can do flips.”

“I had done this before for ‘Peter Pan’ last year and it felt really good to get up in the air,” he added.

Although the experience can be enjoyable, according to Noffsinger, it also demands complete attention.

“You have to be aware of the other people onstage. You cannot be jumping around or fooling around; you have to completely listen to the stage manager and (what) all of the other people have to say,” he said.

Noffsinger’s fellow cast mate and flying companion, 17-year-old Streamwood resident Alex Blue, now agrees the flying experience can be fun; however, he wasn’t so sure at first.

“It’s terrifying when you first try it because it feels really weird being 10 feet off the ground,” he said. “Then it’s just a lot of fun because the rig allows us to do back flips and front flips.

“The more you get used to it, it’s just fun, but the first time you do it, it’s just creepy.”

McNeill, who doesn’t fly, is delighted with the ability to send her stars skyward. “I’m looking forward to flying the ghosts in Scrooge. I’m so excited to give our audience, especially the children in the audience, that unforgettable moment,” she said.

Aside from the flying aspect of his performance, Blue is charting new ground with his portrayal of the Spirit of Christmas Future, or the Phantom.

Blue isn’t used to the spotlight.

“I like being in the chorus,” Blue said. “I never try out for a big part. But this one is nonspeaking so it’s a good fit for me.”

Blue feels his 6-foot, 6-inch, stature will lend credence to his portrayal, along with the knowledge that his actions will speak louder than words, in this case.

“You can’t rely on the lines to tell the people who you are,” he said. “You need to walk the walk. You have to have an aura to being that character. You have to project that to the audience.”

If Blue needs any extra help developing his character, he doesn’t need to look far. His twin sister, Brittany Blue, is one of three student directors working with the production.

“I’m also in the show, playing Scrooge’s nephew’s wife, Rachel,” she said. “Mrs. McNeill got me involved with student directing and I fell in love with it, so I did it again this year,” said Brittany, who codirects with fellow students Dezari Martinez of South Elgin and Keila Saucedo of Bartlett.

“We’re helping run lines, we’re helping stage, we’re helping with the script, we’re helping block. You have to have the most personal relationship with the actors just to make them work with you and for you. It’s a lot of trying to perfect the show with them.”

“They’re my angels. I couldn’t do it without them,” McNeill said of her assistant directors.

As far as Alex and Brittany’s working relationship goes, they, too, are enjoying a happy experience.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Alex said. “We’re usually in the same shows; she’s directing and I have a part.”

Attendees can take part in the spirit of goodwill demonstrated by the cast and crew of “A Christmas Carol” by donating a canned food item, which is transferred into an $1 off coupon for the show. All donated items will benefit the FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville, McNeill said.

Cast of ‘A Christmas Carol’

The show opened Thursday, Nov. 17, and runs through Saturday, Nov. 19. There is an additional 2 p.m. show Saturday, Nov. 19. Tickets are $6-$8. Call (847) 289-3760.

Bartlett: Angela Chilelli, Beverly Dial, Michael Ifkovits, Joelle Kaspirisin, Grant Pult, Elizabeth Sample, Keila Saucedo, James Seretis, Ashley Taylor, Morgan Yachinich

Elgin: Karen Almanza, Katelynn Bachmura, Joseph Beaty, Jim Chrouser, Evan Cortez, Andrew Dring, Ellie Kohn, Janine Martin, Ali Meyer, Faith Newberg, John Ribay, Justin Santostefano, Hannah Schutzkus, Brad Wendt, Sacksith Xayasarn

South Elgin: Kristin Boelter, Eddie Brinkley, Rachel Christie, Beverly Dial, Hayley Dillon, Alana Dwyer, Elaina Esquibel, Clint Gross, Zach Kocher, Kayla McFarland, Elyse McFeggan, Hannah Niesley, Caleb Noffsinger, Aida Palma, Hayden Stecker, Kayla Svara, Tim Wishney

Streamwood: Alex Blue, Brittany Blue

Wayne: Eileen Campbell, Emmalee Gutowsky, Bradley Smith

If you go

What: “A Christmas Carol”

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-19, with an additional 2 p.m. performance Saturday, Nov. 19.

Where: South Elgin High School, 760 E. Main St., South Elgin

Tickets: $6 for students and seniors, $8 general admission. A rate of $5 per person is available for groups of 10 or more. There is a one-dollar discount for those who contribute a canned food item.

Call: (847) 289-3760, ext. 3377.