Ionia Community Theatre Performs "A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley" for the holidays

IONIA– In the spirit of Christmas and giving thanks, Ionia Community Theatre is offering an early holiday gift. ICT will perform “A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley” on December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7pm. Sunday matinees are at 2pm.

The Charles Dickens classic is about giving back, says Lafonna Kananen, producer of this holiday’s play.

“In the spirit of the story, we are excited to present this show at discounted prices that are affordable for large groups. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students, but groups of 10 or more can get the student price It’s a perfect night out for your entire family, out of town guests, or office!”

“A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge (Adam Rewa) who is visited by three enchanting specters. They present the old miser with visions of two moments in life and one yet to come where the results of his actions, Ebenezer’s selfish ways, have had an effect on the lives of people close to him. Each vision, presented from a new perspective by the spirits, opens Scrooge’s eyes to a world of philanthropy.

The stage will spotlight Jacob Marley (Paul Kiste), the one-time miser and partner of Ebenezer Scrooge. Marley welcomes the audience into the story and presents Scrooge his first haunting.

Heather Melchert is excited for her directorial debut.

"As my first venture into directing I am beyond excited to be working with such a talented and diverse cast on such a wicked yet wonderfully incredible classic show,” said Melchert. “Paul Kiste is an incredibly creepy yet mellow Jacob Marley. His vocal and physical talents bring new depth to an old character. Ebenezer Scrooge is played by veteran actor Adam Rewa. I am floored rehearsal after rehearsal with the realistic emotion, body language, and change of heart that Adam gives to Scrooge.”

The narrative brings us into the lives of the Cratchit family. Bob (Eric Proctor) and Martha Cratchit (Amy Sperry) raise a family of six children with one on the way: Martha, Peter, Belinda, Miranda, Lucy, and of course, Tiny Tim (Ava Sperry, Elliot Rewa, Jaclyn Rewa, Lily Melchert, Gabriela Pilar, and Joseph Rewa) share cheers and tears on the most modest of wages. We learn from the Cratchit family how to truly live in the moment.

Come to Watt Auditorium at Ionia Middle School and witness Ebenezer Scrooge embark on a beautiful journey of revelation with the guidance of the Ghost of Christmas Past (Brenda Mapes), Christmas Present (Meghan Flannigan), and Christmas Future (Jessica Warren).

Also, in the cast are Trenton Hopkins, Ray Korytkowski, Walt Downes, Patricio Pilar, Pat Cherpes, Helene Dunn, Aaleigha Roberson, Pam Robinson, Alyssa Smith, Ava Thompson, Pam Keefer, Isabel Thompson, Gentry Flanner, Bill Robinson, Aydan Hurst, Connor Stewart, Makylah Flannigan, Melody Rewa, Krista Melchert, Dianne Korytkowski, Tyler Wilmer, Carmen Rewa, Al Cockrum, Griffin Kiste.

The crew includes Julia Kananen, Ethan Nugent, Gavin Flanner, Sherry Ryan, Jon Thompson, Sherry Ryan, Dianne Grummet, Linda Downes, Michigan Music Ambassadors, Jonathan Gerdes, and Ayden Hurst.

“A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley” is presented by Ionia Community Theatre and IUE-CWA Local 435. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Details on where presales can be purchased in town are still being worked out. Call (616) 527-2367 or email info@ioniaact.com for updated information.

Photo of Brenda Mapes as The Ghost of Christmas Present. Photo by Eric Proctor and the ICT

Support the Michigan Music Ambassadors: Ionia vocalists Maddision Clelland, Ayden Hurst, Emma Kapp, CJ Kramer, Logan Osolinski, and Taylor Stenger will be performing as Voyageur Music Ambassadors during the summer of 2019. This 16-day adventure will take them through seven countries and allow them to perform at amazing venues. Concessions during the performances are just one of the opportunities you have to support the kids. Look for more fundraisers throughout the year.