Union City’s Masquerade Theatre is back at it again. This Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., doors will open at Capitol Theatre for “A Christmas Carol.” Originally written by Charles Dickens, the play has been adapted by Bob Elderkin, who plays a major role in the production. Elderkin is the technical director, sound board operator and is over set, lighting, sound design, set construction and painting.
For those who need a reminder of the tale, it centers around the stingy and pessimistic businessman Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformation from a negative person to a positive person. Scrooge is visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Future, which reveal things to him about himself.
A handful of UTM alumni, staff and students are participating with Masquerade Theatre in putting on this classic Christmas tale.
“This is my 18th play total since 2010 and my 12th here at Masquerade,” said Brian Johnson, who plays Scrooge. Johnson is a Psychology lecturer for the Department of Behavioral Sciences at UTM.
Johnson said that this role is one of the biggest ones he has had yet.
“This is certainly one of the biggest roles I’ve had in terms of total time on stage. I think out of the 47 pages, I am on stage for 46 and a half. Personally, it’s been really challenging but it’s also been a thing where it’s been enjoyable along with that. There’s so many folks here that I’ve been in shows with before,” Johnson said.
Barbara Cox, a current UTM senior pursuing a Bachelors of University Studies with an emphasis in Landscape Management and Food Systems Management, plays Fred’s Party Guest #1.
“I’ve never been in a play before. It’s been on my bucket list to be on stage and be in a play. I had the opportunity and I thought, ‘Why not?’ This has been very interesting and very unique and I’m loving it. If you’ve ever had this on your bucket list, you need to do at least one,” Cox said.
David Houston, a UTM alumnus, plays Jacob Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Future. In 2007 when “A Christmas Carol” first came to Masquerade, Houston also played Jacob Marley, as well. Houston graduated with a Bachelors in Communications in 1991 and a Masters of Education in 2007. He was the director of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which took place in October. He said that acting is less stressful than when he has directed in the past.
“Directing is a little more stressful I think. Some people may think the acting part is stressful, but I like the acting part. Once you get your lines memorized, you’re able to get out there and get in your character. The directing is a little more stressful because you’re responsible for a lot more and you always see things you’d like to change. You think it could always get better, but at some point you let it go. All in all, I like the acting better,” Houston said.
Xavier Hinson, who plays Tiny Tim, enjoys acting. It’s his first time at Masquerade, but he has been in other performances before, his most memorable part being Jack in “Jack in the Beanstalk.” Hinson loves being in plays and encourages other children to get involved as well.
“The play has been fun, and I enjoy playing Tiny Tim, ” Hinson said.
Other UTM alumni consists of director and co-producer Linda St. Clair, assistant director and co-producer Terry Overall, assistant director and co-producer Jonathan Johnson, backstage assistant Brent Hinson, Ghost of Christmas Present and costume assistant Kristen Smith, costume assistant Jennie Overall, green room monitor Mandy Hinson, Gentleman #1 Brent Cooley.
There are also many UTM staff members participating. Connie Cochran, who plays Mrs. Fezziwig, is an Administrative Assistant to the Chair of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources. Cochran is also a UTM alumna with a Bachelors in English and is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Accounting. Laura Foltz, who plays Narrator #2, is the special assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration for Strategic Initiatives at UTM.
To support the local West Tennessee arts and UTM students, faculty and staff involved, stop by Capitol Theatre at 118 South First Street in Union City.
This play will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6-7, 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13-14 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door 30 minutes before the play begins or ahead of time at: Lanzer Printing and Office Supply, 203 S. First St., Union City, 731-885-0651.
Please go to the Photo Gallery “Masquerade Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ Adapted by Bob Elderkin” to see more photos of the play.
Featured Image: (Sheila Scott)
