A North Central woman with extensive acting experience is going to perform an unusual version of the classic tale “A Christmas Carol,” playing multiple roles herself.

Katie McFadzen performs in a one-person version of “A Christmas Carol” on a new outdoor stage at the Herberger Theater Center through Wednesday, Dec. 23 (photo by Tim Trumble).

Katie McFadzen takes on Charles Dickens’ holiday story in a one-woman show at the Herberger Theater Center Pavilion, a new outdoor stage on the east side of the theater at 7 p.m. through Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 222 E. Monroe St. Shows will be held Dec. 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 and 22-23.The award-winning actress is portraying the characters Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchit family, as well as the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future; Fezziwig and other parts.

“A Christmas Carol” is based on Charles Dickens’ story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly, cold-hearted miser who becomes kinder after being visited by ghosts who show Scrooge the consequences of his actions.

This will be the third time McFadzen has performed the one-person version of “A Christmas Carol.” McFadzen, an associate artist with Childsplay, also has performed with Phoenix Theatre Company, Stray Cat Theatre and Black Theatre Troupe. Some of her acclaimed performances include roles in “Small Mouth Sounds,” “Mamma Mia!” and “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”

McFadzen alters her voice to personify the different characters in “A Christmas Carol” but she does not speak in an English accent, as other actors in TV and stage versions of the story have in the past, as the goal is to make the show more accessible to audiences. There will be music and “amazing sound” designed by the late composer and musician Brian Peterson including the sounds of chains and a slamming door.

McFadzen praised the Herberger for building an outdoor stage to adapt its format because of the pandemic.

“It’s great,” she said. “I think that several companies have looked at ways of reinventing and shifting in order to continue to stay afloat. Arts organizations are among the hardest hit. By doing this kind of thing, it helped arts organizations stay afloat.”

The seating for the production of “A Christmas Carol” and other shows at the outdoor stage will be socially distanced. This stage will be 36 feet wide and 20-feet deep. To buy tickets for “A Christmas Carol,” visit herbergertheater.org or visit The Herberger Theater Box Office from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays in person.

 

 

Author

  • Colleen Sparks

    A 25-year industry veteran, she's written for a variety of outlets including The Arizona Republic, East Valley Tribune, Money Talks News, and North Central News.

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