Dayspring Christian Academy Students Stage ‘A Christmas Carol’

Students in grades 3 through 8 at Dayspring Christian Academy of Attleboro enthralled a large crowd on hand Friday at the adjacent South Attleboro Assembly of God Church with their delightful rendition of “A Christmas Carol,” a stage production based on the timeless novel written by Charles Dickens.

          Attired in mid-19th-century English clothing and complemented by colorful and intricately designed sets as well as strobe lights and spotlights, DCA students put several contemporary “touches” on the classic play, but clearly maintained its integrity during the 60-minute production and earned a standing ovation at its conclusion. The memorable play still rings true to this day with its depiction of the true spirit of Christmas through caring, sharing and redemption.

          DCA’s production was further illuminated by periodic “sing-alongs” at various points of the play, during which cast members and the audience shared their love of Christmas carols with a live orchestra comprised of school faculty and supporters.

          DCA’s play was directed by Meegan Delvental with technical assistance from Emily Gallo, Bob Lavallee, Christina Stanford, Darlene DeCastro, Lisa Young and Bruce Stanford. The orchestra consisted of Steve DuPlessie, Elizabeth Goodson, Josiah Boirard, Frank Rydwansky and Karen Rydwansky.

          Caleb Vargas played the lead character, Ebenezer Scrooge, in the DCA production and shared primary roles with Ava Gomes (as Bob Cratchit), Caleb DeCastro (Tiny Tim), Brooke Fontaine (Nephew Fred), Tatum Bisch (Mr. Merry), Anjolique Manigault (Mr. Glee), Garmodeh Willie (Jacob Marley) and Julianna Phillips, Gabrielle Granata and Joseph Charpentier as Christmas ghosts.

          Also performing roles were Paul Ekomwen, Tristan Oliveira, Abigail Phillips, Daryl Costa, Catherine Messier, Michaela Mulvey, Anitha Koka, Christine Dapaah-Agriyee, Gabriel Mullings, Sarah Brouillard, Gabrielle Freeman, Hannah Asermely, Orli Juarez, Erin Conley, Zachary Guzman and Varnai Kesselly.

          Bell players included Ezri Williams, Julia DelVecchio, Julie Thibodeau and Mercy Ekomwen, while Praise Ekomwen, Faith Boirard, Lianna Derr, Shriya Shukla and Sophie Glennon all served as storytellers.

          The stage crew featured Brianna Stanford, Amarely Agustin, Claudia Agustin, Malitey Mullins, Hannah Brouillard and Caitlyn Stanford, while Leah Phillips, Karen Conley, Katie Conley and Anica Cheatum handled hair and make-up details. Backdrop art was created by Noa Juarez, Jen Rydwansky and Meegan Delvental.