Season will concentrate on scripts based on books

Matchbox Children’s Theatre will begin its 43rdSeason by performing “A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol” this weekend at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

Based on the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol,” the story is told using characters from well-known fairy tales, such as “The Three Little Pigs,” “Cinderella,” and “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

The show is co-directed by Janet Anderson and Cate Goodnature.

“We decided this season to concentrate on scripts based on books as a way to promote literacy and reading as well as theatre,” Anderson said. “We really liked this one and it fits the theme. We liked taking a classic like ‘A Christmas Carol’ and giving it a spin that presents it to kids in an imaginative way.”

The role of Ebenezer Scrooge is replaced by the Big Bad Wolf, the Ghost of Jacob Marley is King Midas with the golden touch, while Bob Cratchit and his wife  are none other than Philip Charming and wife, Cinderella.

Their children are Hansel and Gretel and the Little Match Girl as Tiny Tim. Other roles to look for are the Three Little Pigs, Mary Quite Contrary, Old King Cole, Goldilocks, and the Queen of Hearts. Mother Goose narrates the story.

Several actors play more than one role, Anderson said.

“It’s really excellent entertainment,” Anderson said. “It’s fun, and it’s a great family outing. When we say all ages, we mean that. You don’t have to have a child to enjoy this show. We think it’s a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit.”

“Attending a play at the Paramount enhances the experience,” she added. “The atmosphere never fails to get ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’ from kids and adults. It really enhances the experience.”

“A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol” will be performed at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8, and at a new time, per audience request, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. A matinee performance will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for ages 14 and under and free for ages two and under. A special price of $1 for a child ticket per paid adult ticket will be offered for the Saturday show to bring awareness to the new time. Tickets can be purchased in advance at austinareaarts.org and at the Austin ArtWorks Center during regular business hours. Tickets may also be purchased at the
door one hour before the show.

Other Matchbox Children’s Theatre productions for the 43rd Season include “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Stuart Little.”

Cast

Mother Goose – Kim Potter

Big Bad Wolf – Randy Forster

Philip Charming – Ed Dreyer

Pig, Bale – Peytyn Johnson

Pig, Twig – Kamari Regner

Pig, Brick – Megan Dilley-Jones

Jack (Nephew) – Emily McAlister

Cinderella Charming – Lydia Wik

Gretel Charming – Becca Wicks

Hansel Charming – Ray Wicks

Tabitha Charming – Kalli Potter

Jacob Midas and Old King Cole – Paul Burger

Fairy Godmother Meriwether and Mary Quite Contrary – Deidre Smith

Little Bo Peep and Miss Muffet – Amata Whiteside

Mary Had a Little Lamb and Red Riding Hood – Allie Alm

Little Wolf and Black Sheep – Ryan Capp

Fan, Elf, and Londoner Extra – Sawyer Graff

Mrs. Fezziwig and Queen of Hearts – Andie Lewis

Medium Wolf and Peter Piper – Michael Miles

Goldilocks and Snow White – Diann Smith

Elf and Londoner Extra – Hannah Maxwell

Elf and Londoner Extra – Aubrey Mikyla

Londoner Extra – Pal Koak

Crew

Directors – Janet Anderson and Cate Goodnature

Scenic Designer – Randy Forster

Technical Director/Construction – Scott Anderson, assisted by Katie Hunerdosse, Paul Burger

Costumes – Cate Goodnature

Costume Assistants – Janet Anderson, Randy Forster, Cindy Bellrichard

Backstage Manager – Pal Koak

Backstage Assistant – Andie Lewis

Production Crew – Katie Hunerdosse, Randy Forster, Paul Burger, Cate Goodnature, Janet Anderson

Light and Sound Design – Scott Anderson

Sound Operator – Colin Walsh

Lighting Operator – Bryce Garroway