Valley Shakespeare Festival and the Shelton Historical Society will join forces again this coming Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. to present a dramatic adapted reading of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic “A Christmas Carol.”
The first Reading took place in the History Center’s 1860s-era Wilson Barn on Friday, Dec. 13.
Patrons who attended were also treated to a reception of seasonal baked goods and beverages in the History Center’s Brownson House.
Volunteers of the Historical Society worked feverishly Friday afternoon to clear and sand sidewalks, steps and pathways so that guests could travel safely between the house and barn.
Candles in mason jars were placed in the snow to light and guide the way along the path, making for a charmingly rustic and old-fashioned country Christmas atmosphere.
The Brownson House was painstakingly decorated by members of the Society and the Olde Ripton Garden Club in precise period style. Their careful attention to detail was evident in the placement of each object to reflect the simple yet elegant style of the time.
Guests snacked on homemade baked goods and seasonal beverages, all served by volunteers of both organizations, while touring the lovely and enchanting home.
At performance time, guests were escorted across the lawn along the candle-lit path to the barn. Entering from the lower level, they emerged upstairs into the old barn/museum and found seating on an assortment of wooden benches and folding chairs.
The Wilson Barn is not a large structure and since much of its space is filled with museum exhibits, it only allows seating for some forty-odd people. However, it was an intimate setting, allowing audience members to be acutely immersed in the performance. No audio equipment was necessary as the acoustics of the barn were uniquely suited to this type of production.
The cast of six Valley Shakespeare Festival players performed all twenty-six roles in the story. Five were returning members from VSF’s summer production of “The Comedy of Errors.”
Jeremy Funke played Ebenezer Scrooge. Mr. Funke’s portrayal of the “wicked, old screw” jumped off the page, fluctuating between cold callousness, comical bewilderment, sweet sentimentality and, ultimately, revelation and redemption.
Tom Simonetti, the company’s Executive and Artistic Director, authored the adaptation and played Bob Cratchit and Belle’s husband. His poignant rendition of “Silent Night,” sung as an ode to his dear, deceased little child, Tiny Tim, was nothing less than heart-rending.
Steve Mazzocconne took on the parts of Scrooge’s nephew Fred, Jacob Marley, Old Fezziwig and Tiny Tim. Despite the diversity of the four distinct characters, Mr. Mazzoconne maneuvered seamlessly between them, imbuing each with their own special and often delightful personality.
Megan McGarvey was brilliant, taking on six roles, playing a Charity Woman, Scrooge’s sister Fan, his fiancé Belle, his niece’s sister, a laundress and, most memorably, Mrs.Cratchit. Her ability to give each character its own “voice” is a testament to her versatility and talent, as is the emotion she is able to convey with little more than a tilt of the head, a knowing look or a curl of the lip.
Shelton native Kristen Kingsley played Mrs. Fezziwig, the Ghost of Christmas Present and, most effectively, Old Joe. Ms. Kingsley, in true Shakespearean fashion, has the unique ability to play both female and male characters equally well and glides between the two flawlessly.
The lone newcomer to the cast is Alex Luft, a high school student at Christian Heritage School in Trumbull. Ms. Luft was the surprise of the evening as she also took on six different roles, playing a Charity Woman, one of Scrooge’s nieces, a Charwoman, a boy, Martha Cratchit and the heady role of the Ghost of Christmas Past. Though the youngest in the cast she proved herself more than equal to the task, and was heartily welcomed by the cast and audience alike.
The performance was presented with little to no costuming or props save for the players’ own winter clothing and candle-lit lanterns. The script was adapted solely from Dickens’ text. This minimalist approach, presented in the period-appropriate venue, proved to be a joyous and heartwarming introduction to the Christmas Season.
The Saturday, Dec. 14 performance was cancelled due to inclement weather, but the cast and crew will re-assemble for one final performance at the Barn on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m.
Tickets are limited and must be reserved in advance through the Valley Shakespeare Festival’s website (www.vsfesival.org) or by calling 203 – 513-9446.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students/children and children under the age of 5 are admitted free.
The Wilson Barn is an authentic period structure and is NOT heated, so guests are strongly advised to dress very warmly (including gloves!) and bring a lap blanket if possible.
