Season’s greetings. The cast and crew of Natchez Little Theatre’s upcoming Christmas Production are looking forward to entertaining you and your family during this festive season with “A Natchez Christmas Carol.” For 11 years, NLT has gathered talent from our community to bring life to the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation from cynical miser to one of the best men Natchez ever knew. The musical production, adapted by Layne Taylor from the Charles Dickens’ classic, is set in Natchez during 1869.

This highly anticipated production will open at 7 p.m. today and continue each Friday, Saturday and Tuesday through Dec. 20, at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21, at NLT at 319 Linton Ave. at Maple Street in Natchez. All tickets are $15.

This classic piece tells of Jacob Marley, played by Dusty Giamanco, who returns to warn his business partner, Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Don Vesterse, that the life he is living will lead to an unhappy end if he doesn’t change his ways. Marley, who passed seven years prior, tells Scrooge that three spirits will haunt him that night to help him see the error of his ways. They are his only chance and hope of escaping a fate similar to Marley’s. The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Katie Borum, reunites Scrooge with scenes of his youth. He sees a younger version of himself, played by Chandler Johnson and his sister, Fan, played by Ava McDonald and Anabella Laird. Then they see Scrooge as a young man, played by Thomas Williams, apprenticing for Mr. Fezziwig, played by Tyler Brown and his fiancé, Belle Fezziwig, played by Faith Clark.

The Ghost of Christmas Present, Dusty Giamanco, offers Scrooge the Milk of Human Kindness and they visit the Cratchit family who are busy making merry and preparing for the arrival of Bob Cratchit, played by Terrence Robinson. Bob, who has faithfully worked for Scrooge for years with no raise, finds reasons to celebrate. Next they visit Joe Miller, played by Thomas Williams. Here, they witness the poorest of Natchez, including Ashleigh Johnson, warming by the fire as they celebrate the coming of Christmas. Suddenly, Christmas Present startles Scrooge with the revelation of Want and Ignorance, played by Adair Carey, Anabella Laird and Ava McDonald.  Scrooge sees a group caroling, including his nephew Fred, played by Tyler Brown; wife Eliza, played by Morgan Mizell, and her sister, Olivia, played by Addison Laird and Riana McLemore. Here he witnesses his nephew defending him, while the others show their dislike of the man he has become.

The Ghost of Christmas Future, played by Tyler Brown, brings Scrooge to the darkest of days that are ahead of him. He witnesses Clara Walworth, played by Sarah Carey and Melinda Laird, and Laura Havillan, played by Janet McNeely, discussing a funeral. Next, Joe Miller, along with Aunt Chloe, Jasmine Winding and Lessie, Morgan Baskin, go through Scrooge’s belongings and have a laugh at his expense. They revisit the grieving Cratchit’s who are in mourning for the loss of their son, Tiny Tim, played by De’Naya Ware. In the midst of her sadness, Mother Cratchit, played by Sara Davis, tries to be strong for her family: Martha, Mary and Patricia, played by Kendra Washington, Symone Thomas and Patricia Ware. Scrooge sees their loss and begins to mourn with them. He senses his time is nearly gone and that the man who met such an unhappy fate was himself as he sees two tombstones with the names of Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge. He begs for mercy with promises to reform. He awakes unharmed in his house on Christmas morning… a changed man.

The box office opens one hour before each performance.  For reservations call 601-442-2233 or purchase tickets online at natcheztheatre.org.

We look forward to seeing you and your family this holiday season at Natchez Little Theatre.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

 

Morgan Mizell is director of “A Natchez Christmas Carol” and president of the NLT Board of Directors.