Local actors shine in Center Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
DOVER-FOXCROFT — It has been several years since the Center Theatre and the Slightly Off-Center Players put on a production of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” but it has been well worth the wait. This adaptation of the classic tale was written for the Center Theatre by Dani Maupin and has been performed several times over the years. But several new actors and many veterans to the Center Theatre stage combined to put on a wonderful performance full of holiday cheer on opening night. In the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge is Pastor Chris Viera. His strong clear voice transitions well from the pulpit to the stage and his passion for the role of Scrooge and for this story of redemption and Christmas cheer is unmistakable.
Leading Scrooge and the audience through the story are two talented narrators: Emma Hansen and Susannah Huettner. Scrooge is joined on stage by a series of ghosts who in turn scare, cheer, cajole, and encourage Scrooge to become a better man. The actors playing all four ghosts are new to the Center Theatre stage. Jacob Marley is played by Thomas Sawyer, Christmas Past is played by Joanna O’Leary, Christmas Present by Ashley Gosselin, and Christmas Future by Gunnar Tenan.
“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” — The cast, chorus and crew of Center Theatre’s 2023 production of “A Christmas Carol” pose for their cast photo before opening night. Photo courtesy of the Center Theatre.
Far from relying on any of these actors to carry the show, this is truly an ensemble presentation with strong and engaging performances from the entire cast of 30-plus local actors along with a dozen or so chorus members. The chorus adds a charming touch of holiday cheer whether singing in the lobby or popping in at different moments in the production.
Directing the performance is Patrick Myers, the Center Theatre’s executive director. While Myers has been in that position at the theatre for many years, this is his first time directing a full-length show. In his director’s notes Myers states, “It has been a rewarding experience to see this production come to life. I honestly think the biggest thing I had to do was get out of the way and let this talented cast find their own voice and learn how they fit into this grand old play.”
Behind the scenes, the production is supported by the staff of the Center Theatre and many volunteers. The program book lists the Production Design & Technical Director as Derrick Buschmann, costumer is Kristen Gilbert Buschmann, makeup by Patton Leavitt, Stage Manager is Jason Rhoda, Choral Director is Sarah Domareki, and the following people worked as stagehands: Lillian Craig, Ryan Andrade, Patton Leavitt, Phebe Dill Marstan, Connor Plante, Jason Rhoda, Sarah Saunders, and Lindsay Walsh.
The show will be performed five more times for the public with a private showing for area school children. The remaining public performances are on Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The school showing will be at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19 and there are still some spaces available for local homeschoolers who may want to attend.
For more information on this production of “A Christmas Carol” or to purchase tickets, visit centertheatre.org, call the theater at 207-564-8943, or stop in during business hours any day of the week between noon and 7 p.m. The Center Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to engage and inspire by making arts, education, and entertainment accessible to our rural communities.