BUCKHANNON – Charles Dickens’ famous work A Christmas Carol has been made into numerous adaptations over the decades. This timeless tale about the ability to grow and feel compassion has been an integral part of the holiday season since it was first published in 1843.
West Virginia Wesleyan College Associate Professor Tommy Schoffler is spending this holiday season on stage himself for Greenbrier Valley Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” Schoffler, who chairs the Department of Theatre and Dance and was recently announced as Dean of the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts for Summer 2024 at WVWC, is a familiar face in GVT with previous roles in “Into the Woods” and “Route 66.”
Greenbrier Valley Theatre will be producing a new adaption of Dickens’ work written by Catherine Bush. The cast is completed by Christopher Onken, (“Frankenstein”) Will Broyles, (“Pride and Prejudice,” “Babes in Toyland”) Ben Liebert, (“Little Shop of Horrors,” “Pride and Prejudice”) Emily Bosco, (“Steel Magnolias,” “Pride and Prejudice”) Kim Wilpon, (“Christmas Time is Here,” “Pride and Prejudice”) and Marjie Shrimpton and Bec Hyde. Sarah Stacy will serve as an understudy in the production.
Matthew Scott Campbell (“Little Shop of Horrors,” “Mountain Home Christmas”) will direct the newly adapted play.
“It’s a great opportunity to present this classic story in a new and magical way,” says Campbell. “Everyone knows this story so well, so the opportunity to create something unique out of the text is very exciting.”
The production will feature scenic design completed by Yuri Okahana-Benson, costume design by Jenna Fawn Brown, and lighting design by E. Tonry Lathroum. Sound design is completed by Abigail Coppock, with prop design by Ashton Webb. Elizabeth Salisch serves as Production Stage Manager, who will be assisted by Mallory Topel.
A Christmas Carol opens in Lewisburg on December 8 and runs through December 16. Due to high ticket demand, an added performance is on December 13. Tickets are $32 for general seating, $29 for senior citizens age 60 and above, and $20 for students. For more information on tickets, shows, and the organization’s history, visit the theatre’s website: www.gvtheatre.org or call the box office at (304) 645-3838.
