By John Gauthier
Stars Foundation is set to provide the musical version of “Christmas Carol” on December 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14 at Willow Springs Star Theatre at 7:00 p.m. A matinee performance will be held on December 14 at 2:00 p.m.
As a gift to the community, the performance tonight (December 5) will be free admission.
The play/musical highlights the laments and life of Ebenezer Scrooge, whose name and reputation is associated with greed and selfishness. While the story is hardly about Christmas carols, it is about a man confronting his obsession with wealth and his loss of human sensitivities. He confronts his demons and achieves redemption through visions and ghostly visitations on Christmas Eve.
To bring this age-old story to life, STARS has enlisted the talents of new and familiar faces from the region, some in single roles and others doing double duty. Among the new: David Howell of West Plains, who most recently appeared in a local version of “The Wizard of Oz,” effectively portrays the tormented Scrooge.
John Bailey of Huggins is another newcomer in the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present and provides his character with a melodious baritone voice that underscores vocal potentiality.
Katie Shannon of Mtn. Grove demonstrates equal vocal capacity and potential in her convincing portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Past.
Making his first appearance in a STARS production, Ben Smith of Mansfield briefly takes center stage as Scrooge’s deceased partner, Jacob Marley, the reappears in various other minor roles.
Rebecca Peterson, STARS executive director, is the musical and stage director of the production. There will be a live orchestra accompanying the production. The sets invite you to become a part of this experience as it is drawn into the audience members in 4D.
Tickets are available by calling 417-254-3168. The box office will open at 6:00, an hour before the show. Reserved tickets are $5.00 and will be $6.00 at the door. You can also pick up tickets in Cabool at STARS Foundation, 519 Main Street.
The STARS program is open is open to all area students and citizens. Currently, 300 students participate in the STARS program from six counties. STARS Foundation is supported by donations from community businesses and individual citizens. You may visit our web site at www.thestarsfoundation.org.
Courtesy, The Cabool Enterprise
