By Onnie Stone
On Dec. 1 and 2, Delta Drama gave life to the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in three sold out performances.
Beth Heyart directed the production with help from assistant director Adna Howell.
“I am more than happy with how the show turned out,” Heyart said. “I’m glad that so many people were able to come out to see it.”
Members of the show spent months preparing. They received help from all around the Delta community. Alex Curry, a dual-enrolled high school student, played three roles in “A Christmas Carol.”
“It feels really like this Christmas village all coming together to help each other out,” Curry said. “I think that’s what the show should be about.”
Delta College students, faculty, and members from the community participated in the show. Many cast members were new to Delta Drama. For some, “A Christmas Carol” was their first theater experience.
After a rough dress rehearsal on Nov. 27, it became clear there was a lot to fix before their performances. In just a few days, they would be performing in front of a sold-out audience.
Even with nervous energy surrounding the team, they stayed confident in one another’s skills.
“We have some great people on stage.” Curry said. “And it’s going to be great, no matter what.”
Delta Drama partnered with McAlear-Sawden Elementary to bring 11 fourth and fifth graders onto the stage. The children’s energy rubbed off on everyone around them.
“Overall, it was a wonderful experience,” Heyart said. “And I look forward to having all of these young people in future shows.”
While the cast is on stage, the crew is putting in work behind the scenes. Lights and sound have to line up. Stage props need to be moved efficiently. Everyone should be ready for their queue. And if something goes wrong—the show must go on!
And some things did go wrong. But it was nothing that the cast couldn’t handle. Actors were quick to improvise lines.
“I think that’s something we did really well,” Curry said. “Even if we slipped up along the way, we made it work.”
During one performance, Mrs. Fezziwig’s skirt fell down on stage.
“Now that one was a little bit more of an obvious problem, but I thought the cast did really well,” Heyart said.
That mistake made for a great moment for the cast and the audience. Weston Smith, who played Mr. Fezziwig, shouted, “she does this every year!” Another actor said, “oh it’s a party now!”
“So it was a way to cover up and to make light of it,” Heyart said. “And the audience I think appreciated that.”
People were laughing and cheering throughout the shows. The children were especially well-liked by the audience.
The elementary students had to deal with some mistakes too. A snowman prop fell down for all three performances.
“The little kids were finding ways to make it be a part of it,” Heyart said. “They ran with it which was awesome.”
With the last performance completed, the cast and crew take part in a “set strike.” Everyone who participated in making the show comes back to tear it all down.
“It’s a bitter-sweet moment where we are celebrating,” Heyart said. “But we are also tearing down some of those memories.”
Once the set strike is over, it’s time for one last celebration. Following the theme of Christmas spirit, the cast party was a time for gifts and games. There was also a presentation with pictures from the production.
“It should be a nice moment,” Heyart said. “I was really blessed to be able to have that opportunity to work with so many wonderful people.”
“A Christmas Carol” has officially wrapped up. If you want to see a Delta Drama production–or take part in one–there is more to come. Coming spring of 2024, Delta Drama will be producing “Larceny and Old Lace” by Van Vandagriff.
If you have ever wanted to be a part of the cast or crew, this could be your chance.
“Try it out,” Curry said. “No matter your acting experience, you’re going to have a lot of support.”
To find out more about Delta Drama and upcoming productions email Beth Heyart at bethheyart@delta.edu.
