Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with Music
November 17 - December 31, 2011
Theme Dinners: Nov 18 and Dec 16
Meet the Characters: Nov 26 before 2pm show and Dec 2 before 8pm show
Breakfast with Santa: Dec 10, 2011
Press Release
TV Commercial
Riley Children's Foundation
Cast
Production Staff
Director
Company Biographies
Staff Biographies
Theme Dinner
The Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres holiday production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, a stage adaptation with traditional Christmas music has
been expanded from 20 to 47 performances, beginning November 17th and running through December 31st, replacing Tis the Season: A Holiday Spectacular. A Christmas Carol has become a wonderful family yuletide tradition and the source of cherished memories. More...
As a member of The Christmas Carol Network, The Round Barn Theatre at Amish Acres will present its own production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.
In this season of giving and caring for others, It is appropriate that Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis will receive part of the ticket sales from the production.
First published in 1834, The story tells of sour and stingy Ebenezer Scrooge's ideological, ethical, and emotional transformation after the supernatural visitations of Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Yet to Come.
It has been credited with restoring the holiday to one of merriment and festivity in Britain and America after a period of sobriety and somberness. A Christmas Carol remains popular and has never been out of print. Amish Acres production of A Christmas Carol will be told with traditional music.
Dickens' Carol was one of the greatest influences in rejuvenating the old Christmas traditions of England, but, while it brings to the reader images of light, joy, warmth, and life it also brings strong and unforgettable images of darkness, despair, coldness, sadness and death. Scrooge himself is the embodiment of winter, and, just as winter is followed by spring and the renewal of life, so too is Scrooge's cold, pinched heart restored to the innocent goodwill he had known in his childhood and youth. More...
Riley Children's Foundation
Supporting Riley Hospital for Children
About Riley Children's Foundation
Riley Children's Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children, Camp Riley for Youth with Physical Disabilities and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana's only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support, and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 250,000 times. Riley Hospital's partnership with Clarian Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital for Children the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region.
Purchase Tickets, Dinner and Theatre, Theme Dinner and Theatre, and All-inclusive Overnight Packages Online, or call (800) 800-4942.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
Music Arrangements by Travis Smith
ACT 1
Scene 1: Town Square / Scrooge’s Office
Carol of the Bells………………………….Carolers
Ding Dong, Merrily On High……………..Townspeople
God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman…………..Townspeople
Scene 2: Scrooge’s Bedroom
Scene 3: Fezziwig’s Office
Good King Wenceslas……………………Party Guests
Deck the Halls……………………………Party Guests
ACT 2
Scene 1: Scrooge’s Bedroom
Silent Night………………………………Townspeople
Fum, Fum, Fum………………………….Christmas Present
Scene 2: Cratchit House
Angels We Have Heard On High………..Cratchit Family
Away In A Manger………………………Tiny Tim & Cratchit Family
Scene 3: Fred’s House
Joy To The World………………………..Fred, Emma, & Party Guests
Scene 4: Scrooge’s Bedroom / The Not Too Distant Future
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing………….Townspeople
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day…...Scrooge, Tim & Company
We Wish You A Merry Christmas………Company
CAST:
Erin Whitcomb………………..……………………..Narrator
Rory Dunn……………………………………………..Scrooge
Evan Jackson…………………………………….Bob Cratchit
Travis Smith.………………………………………Gentleman
Timothy Leonard …………………………………..Gentleman
Benji Fataruso.…………….……………………………….Boy
John Detty………………………………………………….Fred
Amy Harpenau..………………………………………….Emma
David Coleman………………………………….…Mr. Jenkins
Timothy Leonard …………………………..……………Marley
Sarah Vonfossen………………...……Spirit of Christmas Past
Travis Smith..………………….…Spirit of Christmas Present
Timothy Leonard …………………Spirit of Christmas Future
John Detty…………………………………….Young Ebeneezer
Marilee Greene………………………………………………Belle
Travis Smith..……………………………………………….Dick
Timothy Leonard ………………………………….Mr. Fezziwig
Erin Whitcomb……………………………………Mrs. Fezziwig
Jennifer Myor….…………………….……………...Mrs. Cratchit
Kellie McGowan……………..……………….…Martha Cratchit
Bonnie McGowan....…………………………….Belinda Cratchit
David Coleman……………………..………………Peter Cratchit
Benji Fataruso..…………………………………………..Tiny Tim
John Detty……………………………………………….Gentleman
Bonnie McGowan………………………………………1st Woman
Kellie McGowan………………………………………2nd Woman
Production Staff:
Executive Producer- Richard Pletcher
Director- Jeremy Littlejohn
Music Director- Travis Smith
Production Stage Manager- Jeremy Littlejohn
Assistant Stage Managers- Spencer Holdeman & Richard Vollmar
Technical Director- Ted Lantz
Set Design- Richard Pletcher
Costume Design/Wardrobe- Richard Vollmer
Props- Richard Vollmer
Lighting Design- Jeremy Littlejohn
Box Office Manager- Jennifer Scheffer
Directors' Notes:
Jeremy Littlejohn- Come in, and know me better man…
I can’t imagine a more appropriate way to spend this holiday season than working on my third production of A Christmas Carol. This story has been near and dear to my heart since I saw my first incarnation of it with Alastair Sim as a child. There have been so many versions of this beloved story over the years that it is difficult to keep them all straight… although the Muppet Christmas Carol is my personal favorite! Whoever your favorite Scrooge has been, be it Michael Caine, George C. Scott, Patrick Stewart or even Kelsey Grammar, the message Dickens was trying to convey rings true in every new telling of his story. “Let the Christmas spirit live within you, yesterday, tomorrow and today.” I have done my best to keep the Round Barn’s concept consistent with what I
believe to be Dickens’ original visualization for the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his trip
through time. It is my hope that you will leave this performance with a renewed sense
of love and kindness toward your fellow man and an appreciation for what the holiday
season is actually about. My thanks to a wonderful cast and crew for all their hard work
and to you for continuing to support the arts. And, as Tiny Tim observed…God Bless
Us! Everyone!- Jeremy Littlejohn
Travis Smith-
What a year this has been at The Round Barn Theatre! After being here from the first show to the last show this season, I have to admit it’s been quite a journey. But what a fabulous show to end the season on. There are many versions of A Christmas Carol out there and everyone has a favorite variation (mine probably being either Mickey or Kermit.) But this one is special because it was adapted just for you, The Round Barn patrons and subscribers. So please enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed developing it. Stay gracious and generous this holiday season and you will be blessed. Positivity begets harmony. Happy Holidays everyone!
Company Biographies
David Coleman (Mr. Jenkins, Peter Cratchit) is excited to make his debut at The Round Barn Theatre. He is originally from South Bend, IN and a recent graduate of Indiana University in Bloomington where he pursued a B.A. in Theatre & Drama as well as Spanish. His most recent credits include Clown in The Winter's Tale, Male Greek Chorus in How I Learned to Drive, Snowboy in West Side Story and Mark Boyd in the regional premiere production of VOTE! I would like to thank myfamily and friends for their constant love and support no matter where I am or what I’m doing.
John Detty (Fred, Young Ebeneezer, Gentleman) has resorted to Buddy the Elf levels of excitement to be rounding out his seven and a half month stay at The Round Barn Theatre with A Christmas Carol! Since May, you may have seen him as Rudolph in Hello Dolly!, Ezra in Plain & Fancy, Dennis in Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming, or as Roy in The Odd Couple. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, John graduated from Ball State University with a BFA in musical theatre. Some of his other favorite past credits include Plaid Tidings as Sparky, West Side Story as A-Rab, Seussical the Musical as The Cat in the Hat, and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog as Captain Hammer. In his attempt to “Embrace the Pace” here at Amish Acres, John has acquired many hobbies this year, including playing ukulele/mandolin/guitar (ranked in skill from best to “please stop playing”), playing disquieting amounts of online scrabble (that’s right, look it up), and learning everything an English can about the Amish. From here, John is heading to his long missed apartment in New York City. Love and thanks to my casts, friends, and family for keeping me on my feet this season. I love you all. Phil. 1:3
Rory Dunn (Scrooge) is ecstatic to be returning to the Joseph Stein stage after playing Dan King in Plain and Fancy and Murray in The Odd Couple. Rory recently finished wowing audiences in Charlotte, NC with his turns as Jeffrey in [title of show] and as both Eddie and Dr. Scott in The Rocky Horror Show. Before that some of his favorite roles include Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Jud Fry in Oklahoma, Amos in Chicago, the title role in Sweeney Todd and as many different parts as he could in The 39 Steps. Recently he finished filming a Finnish film titled 30HA, or The Zone, which was shot entirely in Russian. I would like to thank my friends and family for all of their constant support. You can find me online at www.RoryDunn.com
Benji Fataruso (Boy, Tiny Tim) is super excited to be making his debut on The Round Barn Stage and following in his four older brothers’ footsteps. Benji resides in Nappanee where he is home schooled and loves all sports. I gives all the glory to Jesus, my Lord and Savior for all the blessings in my life.
Marilee Greene (Belle) is thrilled to once again be on The Round Barn Theatre stage after performing in Plain and Fancy as Katie! Hailing from Washington D.C., she is excited to join in on the mid-western lifestyle. Favorite credits include Amber in Hairspray, Celeste #2/Elaine in Sunday in the Park, and Apostle Woman in Jesus Christ Superstar. Marilee earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. Love and thanks to the Lord, her parents and voice teacher, Edrie. Psalm 13:5-6 "But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will SING to the LORD, for He has been good to me"
Amy Harpenau (Emma) is excited to be joining The Round Barn Theatre this holiday season. A native of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, Amy graduated this May, Magna Cum Laude, with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University. Some of her favorite stage credits include Violet as Old Lady/Hotel Singer, Angles in America, Part I as Female Understudy, Into the Woods as Little Red, EdTA National Cast of Thoroughly Modern Millie as Miss Flannary, High School Musical as Cheerleader/Skater, Bye, Bye, Birdie as Ursula, Chicago as June, Cinderella as Fairy Godmother, Sunset Boulevard as Joanna, and appearances at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival as Toffee in Zombie Prom. As a proud Actor’s Equity Membership Candidate, Amy has performed throughout the Midwest with Music Theatre of Louisville, Derby Dinner Playhouse, Kandel Theatre Company, Porthouse Theatre, and most recently The Barn Theatre. Thanks to my family for their continued love and support.
Evan Jackson (Bob Cratchit) is excited to be appearing in his second show here at The Round Barn Theatre after having just appeared in The Odd Couple as Speed. He is a native of Lafayette, IN and a graduate of Purdue University. Thank you all for coming and enjoy the show!
Timothy Leonard (Gentleman/Marley/Spirit of Christmas Future/Mr. Fezziwig) is honored to be finishing out the 2011 Season here at The Round Barn Theatre. You may remember Tim from the recent production's of Ring of Fire, Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, and The Odd Couple. In recent years, he was part of The National Tour of A Christmas Carol. When asked about his experience with this production, he said, "A Christmas Carol has been a huge part of my professional career since I started. It holds a very strong place in my heart and the holidays would not feel as warm for me without being apart of this story." I would like to thank Gina for her continued love and support. For more information about Tim, visit www.Timleo.com
Bonnie McGowan (Belinda Cratchit, 1st Woman) was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Bonnie now calls rural Wakarusa, Indiana, home. Bonnie has been in a number of theatrical productions with The Joseph Stein Young Actors Studio camps at The Round Barn Theatre as well as other local civic theatre and school productions, but A Christmas Carol marks her professional debut. Some of her favorite roles have been Goose in Charlotte’s Web, the Matchmaker in Mulan, Jr. and being a part of the Teen Chorus this past summer in Josheph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (where she had a lot of fun portraying one of the Hairy Ishmaelites.) Bonnie is a 10th grade homeschooled student.
Kellie McGowan (Martha Cratchit, 2nd Woman) was also born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, now lives outside Wakarusa, Indiana with her sister and parents. Kellie is thrilled that A Christmas Carol marks her fourth professional production at The Round Barn Theatre this year, as well as her first main stage production. Some of her favorite theatrical roles at RBT or in local civic theatre productions have been Gertrude in Miss Nelson is Missing, Lauren in Miss Nelson Has a Field Day, Templeton in Charlotte’s Web, Brown in Camp Rock during the Joseph Stein Young Actors Studio camp, her “non-dancer-dancer” chorus role in White Christmas, as well as being a member of the Teen Chorus this past summer in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (where she, also, had a lot of fun portraying one of the Hairy Ishmaelites.) Kellie is an 8th grade homeschooled student. I would like to thank my parents for driving me to and from rehearsals and performances, my big sister for helping me, and God and Jesus, for blessing me with so many great opportunities.
Jennifer Myor (Mrs. Cratchit) is excited to be performing this fall for the first time at The Round Barn Theatre. She has worked the past four summers with Mercury Summer Stock in Cleveland. Some of Jen’s past credits include Showboat as Magnolia, The Scarlet Pimpernel as Marguerite, Me and My Girl as Sally, The Wizard of Oz as Dorothy, Blood Brothers as Mrs. Johnstone, Suessical the Musical as Gertrude, and Let Freedom Swing. She is a Graduate of AMDA in New York where she resides and works with her vocal coach, composer Zina Goldrich. Much thanks to my super-supportive Family.
Travis Smith (Music Director, Music Arrangements / Gentleman, Christmas Present, Dick) is excited to be back at Amish Acres for the season. He has music directed several shows here and has been up on stage in a few productions, including The Taffetas and A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline. Travis has worked as both a performer and musical director for the past several years. Companies he has worked for include Allenberry Playhouse, Bearcreek Resort, Circa 21, Old Creamery Theatre, Weathervane Playhouse, Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Cornwell’s Dinner theatre, Grand Geneva Resort, and the University of Findlay. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, he has worked in NYC performing with Victory Theatricals and had the honor of performing with the National AIDs Fund and the Equity Fights AIDS/Broadway Cares charities. He also runs his own business producing background tracks for various theatres. He enjoys composition as well. For the second year, the Old Creamery theatre has commissioned him to write two children’s musicals with them including their yearly children’s tour that is produced in the Spring. He is a proud graduate of Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio where he earned his degrees in theatre and music. Enjoy the show and for more information please visit www.travis-smith.com
Sarah Vonfossen (Christmas Past) As a native of Atlanta, GA and recent graduate from the University of Alabama, Sarah is so excited to spend this holiday season north of the Mason-Dixon line! Favorite credits include Urinetown, The Musical as Hope Cladwell, Chicago as Hunyak, Screwtape as Slumtrimpet, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch, and Flora the Red Menace as Maggie. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Christie, PJ, and Timmy for all their love and support! Roll Tide! www.sarahvanfossen.com
Erin Whitcomb (Narrator, Mrs. Fezziwig) is proud to be performing on The Round Barn Theatre Stage this season! Pursuing her love of theatre, she moved from her home in Mechanicsburg, PA to achieve a BA at Point Park University in Pittsburgh. She has appeared in roles such as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, Eponine in Les Miserables, Kate in The Pirates of Penzance, and in many other memorable musicals. She has also dabbled in Shakespeare in the notorious Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, she has performed in several Cedar Point Amusement Park shows where she got to sing like a diva star, be a backwoods bounty hunter, and rock an audience like an 80’s hair band. Most recently, she was in a few shows at Dollywood in Tennessee. While there, she had the privilege of singing with Miss Dolly Parton on numerous occasions including her Nashville Flood Relief Effort. Erin feels blessed that every day she gets to do what she loves as her job! Special thanks to my Mom and brother for always encouraging me to persevere and follow my dreams.
Spencer Holdeman (Assistant Stage Manager / Sound Design) is thrilled to be returning to The Round Barn Theatre after working on his first theatrical productions, Ring of Fire and Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. Plain and Fancy and The Odd Couple. He is from Nappanee and in his spare time, enjoys playing the guitar. Thanks Phil for being a great mentor and all that you do!
Ted Lantz (Technical Director) joined Amish Acres for the second time, having first worked in the summer of 1973, helping with building restoration. A graduate of Bremen High School, Ted was involved with drama, performing in the musicals Sound of Music and Oklahoma. He is a retired school teacher, residing with his wife Chris, in Wakarusa. His son, Jordan, and his daughter, Kelsey, are both college students,
Richard Pletcher (Producer) with his father LaVern, founded Amish Acres in 1968. The Amish farm was preserved and restored and is now listed in The National Register of Historic Places. Following a one year experiment in dinner-theatre with George Bledsoe in 1971, he added musical theatre to the interpretation of the historic farm by producing Plain and Fancy in the Locke Township Meeting House in 1986. It moved to the Round Barn Theatre in 1991. The play has been running for 25 consecutive years having surpassed 3,500 performances before audiences of over 350,000 people. Plain and Fancy’s Tony Award® winning author Joseph Stein and Tony Award® winning composer Albert Hague have attended Plain and Fancy at Amish Acres.
At Mr. Stein’s urging Amish Acres became a regional musical repertory theatre in 1996 with the addition of five shows in rotation with Plain and Fancy each season. Amish Acres has now produced seventy two different main stage Broadway musicals and The Round Barn Theatre stage is named for and dedicated to Joseph Stein. Eight of Mr. Stein’s musicals have been produced on his stage, including Plain and Fancy, Fiddler on the Roof, The Baker’s Wife, and Zorba, plus staged readings of Take Me Along, Rags, and Carmelina, plus a Second Stage Production of Enter Laughing. As you might expect, he has said that The Round Barn Theatre is his favorite regional theatre with which he has been associated. In October of 2006, Dick and his wife Susan were guests of Joseph and Elisa Stein in New York City for the York Theatre’s Mufti Series production of Plain and Fancy, the last in a month long, three show festival of Stein’s work that included Take Me Along and Carmelina. Artistic Director James Morgan recognized Amish Acres’ twenty year production of Plain and Fancy in the program and in his introductions from the stage. The Pletchers and Jeremy Littlejohn attended the York’s presentation of the Oscar Hammerstein Lifetime Achievement Award in Musical Theatre to Joseph Stein in November of 2007. Stein was further inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame in February of 2008. He passed away in 2010 and the Joseph Stein Memorial Fund was created to provide free season tickets to kids.
Richard Vollmer (Assistant Stage Manager / Costume Designer) is excited to be working with The Round Barn Theatre. Previously, he has worked for The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC, The Cider Mill Playhouse and Johnson City Central School District in Upstate New York in their stage management departments. Richard is also a member of the Equity Membership Candidate program. He graduated from Binghamton University in 2006 with a degree in Theatre Technology and Design with a concentration in Stage Management.
A Christmas Carol
Theme Dinner
December 16
Reservations required
(800) 800-8942
These dinners are a joyous celebration of each show with menus written with tongue-in-cheek show references and double entendres, often obscure and ridiculous. The responsibility for such frivolity rests solely with Richard Pletcher, founder of Amish Acres. The ensuing menus are lovingly prepared by chef Ruth Miller whose sense of humor make it into it kettle and skillet.
Bah Humbug!
Soups
Charles Dickens Pottage
Jacob Marley's Barley soup
Appetizers
Poor Pork Meatballs with Apricot Dip
Meatless Vegetable Assortment
Salad
Tiny Tim Tiny Tomatoes Salad
Breads
Marley Bread Scraps
Ebenezer's Sour dough bread
Entrees
Dickens of a Delmonico Steak
Fish and Chips Christmas
Goose Pasta Noodle Pudding with Sweet Red Peppers & Cheese
Vegetables
Bread Crumb Topped Artichokes and Cheese
Desserts
Bob Cratchitt Cobbler
Christmas Tree Cake and Cookies
Figgy Pudding
Ruth's Famous Crème Brule'
Beverages
London Grog
Iced Tea
Lemonade
Coffees
Free Wine Tasting
Round Barn Craft Beers
