Historic Cane Hill is thrilled to announce a brand-new theatrical exploration of Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story, A Christmas Carol, live in the 1891 Presbyterian Church on December 4 and 5th. Written by Charles Dickens in 1843 in response to the plight of working class children, A CANE HILL CHRISTMAS CAROL is a new spin on an old story whose themes continue to resonate almost 200 years later.
Adapted for the stage by Laura Shatkus, Artistic Director of ArkansasStaged, and Debbie Banos, this unique staged reading will include musical performances by Tim Patterson (guitar) and Nate Stahlke (violin) along with audience sing-alongs in an interactive performance that will be fun for the whole family. The story will be performed by a team of professional actors and presented in Cane Hill’s beautifully restored 1891 Presbyterian Church, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children 17 and under.
This theatrical reading will recount the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly grouch who is visited by four ghosts who teach him to become a kind and generous man.
“Historic places come to life when people gather in them, and that’s what we hope this performance will do. We’re delighted to share this story and the beautiful 1891 Cane Hill Presbyterian Church with the community,” says Vanessa McKuin, Executive Director of Historic Cane Hill.
“I’ve always been inspired by the unique locations at Historic Cane Hill and have often visualized theatrical happenings in and around the campus” says Laura Shatkus. “And I have always passionately loved the simple and effective theatrical tools Dickens utilizes in his classic tale. I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Historic Cane Hill and the Presbyterian Church will be the perfect setting for A CANE HILL CHRISTMAS CAROL.”
Significantly, the Historic Cane Hill archives has photographs of early students presenting theatre and pageantry as far back as 1902 and A CANE HILL CHRISTMAS CAROL will carry on their legacy and reinvigorate the tradition of theatre at Historic Cane Hill.
The piece is family-friendly and 90 minutes long. Two performances will be offered to accommodate high demand for tickets. December 4th at 6 PM and December 5th at 2 PM. A reception for Historic Cane Hill members will follow Saturday’s performance on Dec. 5.
“We hope these performances will inspire our audience to kick off the holiday season with a sense of joy and peace in their hearts,” says Amanda Cothren, Program and Events Coordinator.
Tickets will go on sale to members on October 22 and to the general public on October 29.
TICKETS:
Adults: $5 tickets; Free for children and HCH Members
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
December 4th at 6 PM
December 5th at 2 PM
Runtime: 90 minutes
Historic Cane Hill would like to thank the following sponsors for making this program possible:
Presenting:
Paula Irwin
Genevieve M. Pennington and Vera Hall Endowment
Presenting Media:
CitiScapes Magazine
Platinum:
Back Porch Flowers and Gifts
DCI
Legacy National Bank
Kinco Constructors
Ozarks Electric/OzarksGo
Platinum Media:
KUAF
Gold Sponsors:
Arkansas Farm Bureau – Curtis Moore
This exhibition is also made possible with support from the Walmart Foundation.