Summary: The Wayne County Performing Arts Council brought Charles Dickens classic tale A Christmas Carol as a readers theater production on Dec. 9-11.
The Faith Harvest Fellowship Church in downtown Wooster was transformed into mid 1800s England as the Wayne County Performing Arts Council (WaCPAC) presented Charles Dickens classic tale A Christmas Carol to enthusiastic audiences on Dec. 9-11.
The timeless tale of a man who finds the true spirit of Christmas through visits from a trio of ghosts representing Christmas past, present and future was re-told in a new and engaging way using a readers theater format where seated actors read from a script while portraying various characters and making minor costume changes.
The production featured the work of 14 talented local actors, portraying 36 different characters.
Playing the lead role of Ebenezer Scrooge was Donald F. Curie. Curie, who has been a staple of local community and professional theater for many years, has portrayed the iconic role numerous times with the Canton Players Guild.
Joining Curie in the cast were Emily Curie, Alan Dawson, David Drumm, Sr., Ethan Hamilton, Rhoda Holton, Nathan Hoyle, Ken McDonald, Jessica Matthews, John Myers, Christopher Roche, Bob Schang, Alyson Zuercher and Lisa Zuercher.
In a throwback to the radio dramas of the golden age of radio, the performers were joined by sound effects artists Bill Carter who provided all of the unique sound effects that brought the production to life.
WaCPACs production of A Christmas Carol was directed by Leslie Baus.
Established in 1982, the Wayne County Performing Arts Council has brought community theater to Wayne County for three decades.
In addition to dramatic and comedic plays and full blown musicals, including last Januarys production of The 1940s Radio Hour, WaCPAC has recently branched out from its roots in community theater by adding events that showcase the musical talents of the citizens of Wayne County.
For the past three years WaCPAC has sponsored the annual Jim Gladulich Battle of the Bands at Freelander Park, which shines a spotlight on talented local rock, country, Christian and pop bands. In the competition for the unofficial title of Wayne Countys best band, the top three bands are featured at the City of Woosters annual 4th of July celebration at the Kinney Building.
The organization has also played host to a series of Music of the Night open mic nights at the 120 Beall Avenue Building.
Recognizing the impact that ever tightening budgets were having on school performing arts programs, in 2006 WaCPAC inaugurated a youth theater program.
Since its inception six years ago the program has been selected to perform five times for the state-wide Ohio Community Theater Associations OCTAFest Junior competition, taking home the top prize for best youth theater production four of those five years and dozens of individual acting and technical awards.
The youth theater groups most recent production - Hello, Shakespeare- once again took home top honors. As one of the top two productions in the OCTAFest Junior competition, the cast and crew also had the honor of performing the show at OCTAs annual state conference in Independence over Labor Day weekend.
According to Baus, the Wayne County Performing Arts Council is currently has at work planning for the organizations upcoming 2012 season.
An announcement with the lineup for the 2012 season is expected to be posted on the organizations web site shortly.
For more information on the Wayne County Performing Arts Council visit their web site at www.wacpac.org.
