BAH HUMBUG

“Bah Humbug,” “Scrooge,” and “Tiny Tim” are now considered to be part of the English language.  This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the second annual production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Berger Performing Arts Center in Tucson, Arizona.    

The production was part of the Arts Express Community Theatre series that joins professional artists and students in a collaborative creative process.   This year the Dickens Festival was added which helps to experience and learn more about Victorian England. 

The Dickens Festival begins before you enter the venue as you stroll down a re-creation of an Olde London street.  You will love the Penny Farthing on display and enjoy talking with Father Christmas as you listen to the sounds of harps, violins and Christmas carols being sung.  Once inside the “Meet Charles Dickens” pre-show gives a glimpse into the life of Charles Dickens.  Featuring the talent of Daniel Hagberg as Charles Dickins, you see how his life parallels “A Christmas Carol”.  It provides education and gives a much deeper understanding to the true message of “A Christmas Carol” – that of self-giving and second chances.

Walking up to the front of Berger Performing Arts Center

Carolers outside the Berger Center

Inside lobby of Berger Center

Charles Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” in 1843 believing that a story, rather than a pamphlet, would be a more effective way to arouse sympathy for the plight of the men, women and children who were driven into poverty by the Industrial Revolution.  At the early and impressionable age of 12, Dickens was humiliated with his father’s imprisonment and he painfully felt the stigma attached to bankruptcy. 

Tara Petersen, the daughter of dear friends Paul and Donna Petersen, was a cast member playing the Rich Wife, a Fezziwig Dancer, a Debtor, a Tap Dancer and an Angel.  This made the performance even more special.  

Tara with fellow cast members

Karen Wiese, Producer and Executive Director, fused together a fabulous production team by joining the creative minds of Director Cathy Simon, Music Director Enrique “Hank” Feldman and Choreographer Simone Jolivet-Manual.  Pairing this with a fantastic cast of characters and the result was a magical and outstanding production.  From lighting to sets to make-up to special effects, the production was top quality from start to finish.