Christmas spirit visits Davis County

By JAMES GROB, The Ottumwa Courier

BLOOMFIELD — Southeast Iowa? You will be visited by three ghosts.

Charles Dickens and the Davis County Players hope those ghosts will haunt your homes happily.

The Bloomfield-area theater group will present “A Christmas Carol, The Musical,” a musical version of the Dickens classic, with four shows at the Iowa Theatre in Bloomfield from Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

The Davis County Players’ production, under the direction of Michelle Williams and the musical direction of Joyce Brokke, is a local take on what was a standard for many years during the holiday season in New York City. The script, originally produced annually by Radio City Entertainment at Madison Square Garden, features lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Alan Menken.

Menken’s prolific musical portfolio includes the popular soundtracks to such movies as “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Aladdin.” Ahrens’ abundant lyrical credits include “Ragtime” and “Seussical the Musical.”

Bloomfield is a long way from The Big Apple, but the community will launch its own Christmas celebration in December, with lights on the town square and a temporary home for Santa Claus, along with many other festivities. Williams indicated she hopes the play will help to ring in the season.

“It’s a perfect kick-off to the Christmas season,” said Williams, a 15-year acting veteran of community theater in Bloomfield and Ottumwa. “As you’re starting to do your Christmas shopping and getting ready for parties and things like that, the story emphasizes the true meaning of Christmas and reminds us not to lose sight of it.”

The story itself is one of the best-known and most beloved tales off all time. “A Christmas Carol” was first published in 1843 and was an instant success for Dickens, but it’s unlikely that Dickens could have foreseen the lasting impact of his short novel. The story’s mass popularity directly redefined the importance of Christmas as a holiday at a time when the old holiday customs and traditions had been all but forgotten. Today, Christmas is considered a time of family togetherness, charitable observance and heartfelt worship in large part because of Dickens. He really did remind the world of the true meaning of Christmas.

Williams, who previously directed the Davis County Players’ production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” said the company chose to produce “A Christmas Carol” largely because of its timeless message and its appeal to all ages.

“When people think of a Christmas story, this is the one that comes to mind,” she said. “The only one that beats it is the story of Christ. The basic thoughts of appreciating life, doing well by man and taking care of each other is what Christmas is all about.”

The musical twist to the tale is brought to life by Brokke, who brings an actor-friendly approach to the production.

“She works so well with all the different voices,” Williams said. “She’s very comfortable adjusting to her vocalists, playing to their strengths and their limitations. She’s a true accompanist — if the performer interprets a song in a certain way, she’ll follow. It’s wonderful how she can adapt so easily.”

Brokke’s skilled piano work accompanies the heartwarming and toe-tapping songs — so catchy that it’s almost impossible not to sing along with the performers — which are intertwined with Dickens’ powerful and enduring storyline.

All the familiar Dickens characters are here — starting with the cruel and miserly Scrooge, the earnest and unappreciated Bob Cratchit and the sickly but spirited Tiny Tim. There are the citizens of London, from all walks of life, who each have a unique perspective of “wicked old Scrooge.”

The iconic Scrooge is played by Wayne Van Mersbergen, who brings a multitude of talent and a wide range of community theater experience to the role.

“You don’t get much more talented than Wayne,” said Williams. “He’s so strong vocally, and immediately when he takes the stage, he becomes that character. He works so hard ... and so well with the other performers.”

Van Mersbergen gets plenty of opportunities to interact with the many colorful characters in several lively scenes. There’s the rousing, ominous visit from the ghost of Scrooge’s deceased best friend and business partner, Jacob Marley, which sets the stage for the aforementioned three ghosts — Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet To Be. Played by Shauna Pisarik, Danny Van Horn and Gail Wortmann, all three ghosts have stirring and unique musical numbers as they show Scrooge the true spirit of Christmas. Along the way, the audience meets a long list of endearing characters — loving friends, caring and forgiving family members — and a lost love. The audience learns how each has influenced Scrooge — and how Scrooge has influenced each of them.

The large cast includes about 40 actors and actresses — adults and children — and is made up almost entirely of Davis County residents.

“When people come down to see one of our small community productions here, I think that quite often they’re amazed by what they see,” said Williams. “The stage, the sets, the talent — I’d put several of the people we have in this theatrical company up against anyone.”



WHAT: A Christmas Carol, The Musical

WHO: Presented by The Davis County Players

TIME AND PLACE: Show times for the production will be 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 at The Iowa Theatre in Bloomfield.

TICKETS: Tickets cost $10 for adults and $9 for children under 14, and will go on sale on Nov. 21. They will be available by phone at 641-664-2334, online at www.bdemo.com or at the office of the Bloomfield Democrat, 207-209 S. Madison in Bloomfield.

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