Start holidays with ASF's new full production of 'A Christmas Carol'

Nights full of hauntingly good Christmas magic are ahead at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, courtesy of a new full productions of Charles Dickens' tale "A Christmas Carol."

Set in Victorian England, this life lesson journey of the rich-but-miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is the tale you remember: with the Cratchet family, the ghost of former business partner Jacob Marley, plus Scrooge's three spirit guides — the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet To Come.

"For each one (of the ghosts) we have worked to create their own point of view," said ASF Artistic Director Rick Dildine, who directs. "They each bring a unique perspective to Scrooge’s dream."

Can a miserable old man who seems to care for no one really be changed in only one night?

"A Christmas Carol" opens at 7 p.m. Thursday and runs through Dec. 24. It is recommended for ages 5 and older.

Dildine walked the Advertiser through this new production — the first full one for this tale in a few years to hit ASF's Festival Stage.

What’s it like returning 'A Christmas Carol' to a full production after the brilliant one-woman shows at ASF by Greta Lambert?

"Greta’s one-woman show was unique for its performance and artistry of one brilliant actor. She was able to create an immense world with her craft, voice, and imagination. This production is entirely different as it draws upon more theatrical tools and skills of a company of dozens of actors and craftspeople. It is certainly a more complicated process to get dozens of people in sync for a story that moves quickly across time and space."

How many are in the cast?

"The cast is composed of 17 adults and 22 children. The children are double-cast across two companies."

How did the public auditions go?

"Public auditions are always exciting because we discover talent that is here in Montgomery region. All of the students are from the Montgomery area. I’m delighted Montgomery-native Adrian Kiser will be making her ASF debut as the Ghost of Christmas Past."

Give a little info about this Scrooge and the actor stepping into the role that Rodney Clark and Lambert brought to life at ASF for years.

"Paul Slade Smith is an incredibly seasoned actor who has performed all over the world and on Broadway. This is his seventh production of 'A Christmas Carol,' but first time as Scrooge. I was drawn to his humor and humanity. He’s incredibly funny and impeccable with language. He brings a point of view to the role that matches the story we are telling beautifully."

Any familiar faces among the cast, or is this an all new group?

"Audiences will recognize some regular faces like Chris Mixon, Chauncy Thomas, Chris Gerson, and Benjamin Bonenfant. I think it’s important for communities and artists to build relationships together, and these individuals have become great collaborators of mine over several shows. I’m also incredibly grateful to Dr. Joel Jones who is returning as music collaborator and Lindsay Benton who is creating the movement for the show."

Is this a musical with a live orchestra?

"I love live music! Yes, we have a company of actors who play instruments and sing. It’s all live!"

Describe the stage work in bringing London to life.

" 'A Christmas Carol' is a massive undertaking if only for its technical demands. For our production, we are integrating period costumes, dancing, live music, state-of-art lighting and projections, and moving scenic pieces. To make the magic happen, we are using theatrical tools that have not been seen here before."

Any unique twists on this production?

"I set out to make a show that would delight both my 8-year-old and 80-year-old selves. People should make sure they are in their seats for the pre-show. Our production brings the show into the audience for a unique theatrical experience. You’ll get to sing-a-long, experience snow, and maybe be given a cookie!"

How to get tickets

Tickets are available online at asf.net, or by calling the ASF box office at 334-271-5353.

Special ASF Insights event

At 12:45 p.m. Saturday in ASF's patrons lobby, visit for a behind-the-scenes look at the work on the Festival Stage and the art of theatre.

Cast members

ADULT COMPANY

• Ebenezer Scrooge – Paul Slade Smith

• Fred – Alex Ross

• Bob Cratchit – Benjamin Bonenfant

• Mrs. Cratchit – Emily Shain

• Charity Men - Chauncy Thomas & Chris Mixon

• Jacob Marley – Garfield Hammonds

• Ghost of Christmas Past – Adrian Kiser

• Mr. Fezziwig – Chris Mixon

• Mrs. Fezziwig – Tina Stafford

• Young Scrooge – Harry Thornton

• Belle – Oriana Lada

• Belle’s Husband – Tyler Martin

• Ghost of Christmas Present – Chauncy Thomas

• Topper – Luke Sidney Johnson

• Lucy – Ana Marcu

• Patience – Joyce Meimei Zheng

• Mrs. Dilber – Tina Stafford

• Old Joe – Chris Gerson

• Understudy – Sarah Kay Grinstead

YOUNG COMPANY

There are two casts for youth as ASF:

HOLLY CAST

• Tiny Tim/Little Scrooge – Sam Mason

• Martha Cratchit – Olive Henninger

• Charlotte Cratchit – Dalton Ruth Bendinger

• Peter Cratchit – Griffin Isbell

• Belinda Cratchit – J’kaila Foster

• Dick Wilkins/Thomas Cratchit – Kyson Bly

• Boy Scrooge – Alex McIlwain

• Fan – Eva Kate Mason

• Ignorance – Annmarie Mitchell

• Want – Claudia Blackburn

• Turkey Girl – Amia Curry

IVY CAST

• Tiny Tim/Little Scrooge – Carson Campbell

• Martha Cratchit – Emory Campbell

• Charlotte Cratchit – Bella Posey

• Peter Cratchit – Hank Posey

• Benjamin Cratchit – Gavin Campbell

• Dick Wilkins/Thomas Cratchit – Karsten Reed

• Boy Scrooge – Austin Wendell

• Fan – Mary Grace Parsons

• Ignorance – Kinsley Sutton

• Want – Anna McWilliams

• Turkey Girl – Amelia Johnson

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: ASF's new full production of 'A Christmas Carol' kicks off holidays