WESTFIELD-The stage of the Westfield Woman’s Club will come alive with a unique musical version of “A Christmas Carol,” thanks to the collaboration of two women who first created the show 20 years ago.
“We did this particular show for the first time 20 years ago,” said Kathleen Palmer, playwright and director of the December production. “It was the first Christmas show that Marion Dunk and I created especially for the Westfield Theatre Group.”
Palmer noted the show is “basically” the same script but has undergone editing over the years since it has been performed seven times.
The Westfield Theatre Group cast and crew of “A Christmas Carol.” (Submitted photo)
“We hope the editing has made it better,” said Palmer.
“A Christmas Carol” will be staged Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., as well as a matinee performance on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The Westfield Theatre Group (WTG) is a department of the Westfield Woman’s Club, 28 Court St.
“A Christmas Carol is an entertaining re-telling of a classic take with great music, fabulous costumes, marvelous local talent and a family friendly atmosphere,” said Dunk, composer and music director. “It is the essence of what community theater in Westfield is all about … local folks putting on a quality show for friends and neighbors.”
Palmer echoed a similar sentiment.
“Dickens Christmas Carol is timeless on so many levels,” said Palmer. “First of all, it appeals to all ages, from the youngest to the very oldest. Who doesn’t love Tiny Tim?”
Palmer added the show’s “message” of trying to be a better person rings true for all of us.
“It’s just a fun story with ghosts, humor, and a happy ending. Entertainment at its best.”
Both women said their Christmas show has stayed true to the original story, with some added artistic elements and “especially” with the music.
“Some of the story may be changed somewhat so that we can present it on the stage,” said Palmer. “There are some things that you can put in a movie that you just simply cannot do in real life, like a funeral carriage that charges up Scrooge’s stairs in his apartment.”
Both Palmer and Dunk feel that area residents will come to see a story that they always knew.
“The cast is awesome,” said Palmer. “They are all talented and dedicated and will surely entertain everyone.”
The cast includes Peter Hicks, Sam Hicks, Mark Parsons, David Carlson, Jackie O’Dell, Peter Smith, Fallon Boze, Vivian Mello, Dominic Nazzaro, Griffin Parrow, Faye Desarro, Lindsey DeLand, Kevin Montemagni, Nancy Colby, Sammie Noska, Calaeb Vieweg, Catherine Burke, Reagan Phillips, Parker Atkin, Lisa Matthew, Jesse Stark, Norm Robitaille, Heather Robitaille, Elaine Hebert, Mark Hebert, Krista Tetreault, Caroline McKenzie, Margie Secora, Aaron Kielbasa, Rock Palmer, Carol Palmer, Linda Slozak, Raymond Boisvert, and Madi Byers. Also, the ensemble includes Sierra Allen, Jeanine DeLand, Aaron Kielbasa, Judi Lamothe, Carol Martin, Ayden Rogalski, and Mary Jane Smith.
There will be one intermission that offers patrons water, coffee, tea, snacks, a 50/50 raffle and the chance to send an actigram.
“Actigrams are little messages that people can send to the cast backstage,” said Palmer.
Both Palmer and Dunk give “huge kudos” to the people who work behind the scenes to ensure that the production is flawless. Area residents who are working on the production include Laurie Furkey, stage manager; Mallory Wray, choreographer; Nick O’Dell and John Farrell, lights and sound; Dr. Frank Kroke, lights; Denis Bessette, background projections, and Karen Bonci, designing costumes assisted by Jackie O’Dell. The women also acknowledged the ushers and others who have roles that are indispensable.
“We are also grateful to the Westfield Woman’s Club, of which we are a department,” said Palmer.
“We are proud to have been creating WTG shows for over 20 years with fabulous casts, crews and musicians,” said Dunk. “We would be pleased to see many new as well as familiar faces in the audience for the 20th anniversary of A Christmas Carol.”
Palmer concurred.
“I always call live theater 3D entertainment in real time,” said Palmer. “Westfield has been fortunate to have had a community theater for over 75 years. With the exception of World War II years, we have been running shows continually at the Westfield Woman’s Club.”
Palmer added that theater is a “tremendous asset” to a community.
“This show is very unique in that I wrote the script specifically to perform on this stage, and Marion wrote the music, so it is strictly a homegrown effort,” said Palmer. “Seeing a show at Christmas is a fabulous way to spend some special time with friends and family. We guarantee the audience will enjoy every minute.”
Before heading to the opening night show, Palmer suggested the audience first stop at the Westfield Athenaeum Rise to Knowledge Campaign wine tasting fundraiser. Information and tickets are available at westath.org.
For “A Christmas Carol” tickets or more information, visit westfieldtheatregroup.com.
