Absegami High School’s drama club, The Emanon Players, will be presenting A New London Christmas Carol, an original musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol on Thursday, December 1st and Friday, December 2nd at 6:30 PM and on Saturday, December 3rd at 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM at the Absegami High School Performing Arts Center in Galloway Township. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance online at gamiemanonplayers.com.
Set in New London, Connecticut, A New London Christmas Carol re-imagines the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and sets it in our present day and time. The story focuses on Belle Anderson, a woman for whom Christmas has no true meaning in her pursuit of material security until she is visited by three spirits who show her that the joy of Christmas can even heal a broken heart.
The adaptation is written by Absegami High School drama teacher Chip Garrison with music and twenty original songs by Galloway Township Middle School teacher Brian Conover, including “It Might Be Crazy, But It’s Christmas,” “Chains,” “Then There Was You,” “Sing a Song of Christmas,” “Back Then” and “A New Day.”
Playing the principal role of Belle Anderson is Absegami senior Alaina Famularo. “Playing a female version of Ebenezer Scrooge is truly an interesting experience,” said Famularo. “This role requires me to step out of my comfort zone and portray a complex character. I have to delve deep and have a full understanding of my character’s intentions in order to successfully play the part. Originating a character takes a lot of dedication, but I love every second of it.”
Supporting roles are played by Khristina Cabrera, Connor Camp, Mary Kate Devenny, Stone Foster, Mackenzie Hackney, Kiera Liu, Xander Mass, Jenna Mullin, Sierra Nanfara, Alex Newby, Andy O’Dell, Edianna Pena, Jack Stairs and Maleah Watson. The ensemble features Zara Appiah, Saphyre Boyle, Mackenzie Denney, Siam Disapong, Sophia Fineran, Tony Grossenbacher, Jurrien Marcellus, Hannah McLaughlin, Michaelina Miconi, Lara Pruitt, Zuniya Richardson, Melody Ross, Leah Storr, Emily Wozniak and Ajay Young.
A New London Christmas Carol is directed by Chip Garrison. “It has been a dream come true working on this production,” says Garrison. “Brian (Conover) and I have always joked about actually sitting down and actually writing a musical. He is such a creative talent; he made the process so easy. And the students in this production have been working so hard to bring our vision to the stage. They have been so wonderful in rehearsal. It truly has been a joy to bring this production to the stage.”
A New London Christmas Carol features music direction by Conover, choreography by professional dancer/choreographer Jillian Reed, set and lighting design by Absegami science teacher Mackenzie Cornaglia with artistic design by Absegami students Vy Phan and Grace Vita, costume/prop designs by Absegami English teacher Ashley Winkler and sound design by retired Absegami media teacher Ed Johnson.
General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens and can be purchased in advance at gamiemanonplayers.com. Limited admission tickets may be purchased at the door of each performance based on availability; theater goers are advised to buy in advance.