'A Christmas Carol' Returns To Downtown Woodstock

WOODSTOCK, GA -- December will soon be upon us and you know what that means: the return of "A Christmas Carol" at Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.

"A Christmas Carol" is a holiday staple for many families, and for most theatres in the country. Because there is no one definitive script, every production is unique based on how this Charles Dickens classic was adapted for the stage and on how the actors bring the characters to life.

Elm Street’s current production is based on a new adaptation by Siobhan Brumbelow, and is infused with music, color and movement, and crafted to tell this great and enduring tale in a manner that people of all ages will enjoy.

For the fourth year in a row, actor Jeremy Cain is preparing to don his wig, makeup and nightcap so he can bring the character of Ebenezer Scrooge to life. While he has performed in many other productions at Elm Street (Into the Woods, Godspel, Young Frankenstein and Thoroughly Modern Millie), Scrooge was Jeremy’s first Elm Street role, and remains one of his favorites.

“I love working with Tom Milley (director) and with this wonderful cast and crew," Cain said. "I have such respect for the actors, design staff and crew. Elm Street consistently produces at a level far above what I would expect for a community theatre."

A wide range of actors have portrayed Scrooge, including George C. Scott, Albert Finney, Bill Murray, James Earl Jones, Basil Rathbone, Jim Bakkus as Mr. Magoo, Henry Winkler, and Jim Carey, with each one bringing a different perspective to the character.

Some play Scrooge as an angry, bitter soul who has to be scared straight to become a better man. Jeremy describes Scrooge as a complex character who is caught between a broken heart and the desire to please his father by making something of himself.

Despite the fact that he has chosen financial security over emotional security and built a seemingly inpenetrable exterior, Jeremy knows that inside that crusty shell, Scrooge is a cowering little child.

“The character of Scrooge is critical to the tone and success of any production,” said Christopher Brazelton, executive director of Elm Street Cultural Arts Village. "Jeremy continues to bring a wonderful spirit and distinct approach to the role.”

You can meet Scrooge, as well as Tiny Tim, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, and the whole cast of characters when "A Christmas Carol" begins its run on Friday, Dec. 9.

In addition to the show, each performance will feature a pre-show with a guest artist, and will leave you with some great ideas about how you can celebrate Christmas in the spirit of the reformed Ebenezer Scrooge.

"A Christmas Carol" runs 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Dec. 9-24 at the auditorium at the Chambers at City Center. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. The show is rated G.

The auditorium is located at 8534 Main Street in Woodstock. For more information, call 678-494-4251 or visit www.elmstreetarts.org.

Photo 1: For His fourth year in a row, Jermey Cain returns to portray the money-hoarding miser, Ebenezer Scrooge

Photo 2: Duncan Clarke and Jermey Cain reprise the roles of Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge

Images via Elm Street Cultural Arts Village