From the first “Bah! Humbug!” to the last “God Bless Us, Every One!” the 38th annual production of Saugatuck’s “A Christmas Carol” starting Dec. 13 will be linked as closely as it ever has been to the true meaning of the 1843 story by Charles Dickens.
This is the first year the long-time community play will be operating in complete concert with Christian Neighbors, a nonprofit that brings food, clothing and other assistance to people in need in western Allegan County.
“Christian Neighbors’ mission and Charles Dickens’ original intent in writing ‘A Christmas Carol’ are so closely aligned,” said Steve Williford who has played Ebenezer Scrooge since the play originated in 1987 as way to bring more people into the tourist town during a slower part of the year.
Working together
The play is now called “Saugatuck Christmas Carol supporting Christian Neighbors” and all the funds raised will go to the nonprofit Christian Neighbors which now oversees the play. In the past, the play has brought in about $10,000, with 85 percent going to Christian Neighbors and 15 percent going to other groups.
“This year we hope to bring in more than that $10,000, with all of it benefiting Christian Neighbors,” Williford said.
“This will be a huge help to us,” said Margaret Mason, chairperson of the board for Christian Neighbors. The group recently lost a major supporter who held an annual fundraiser for the charity, so the need for funds this season is more pressing than normal.
Christian Neighbors, based at the Community Church of Douglas, 6874 Wiley Road, relies entirely upon an all-volunteer staff, the generosity of community churches, organizations, businesses, schools, grants, trusts and caring individuals for support. The 501c3 returns 97 percent of its funding back into the community to assist the needy, according to the group’s website www.ChristianNeighborsDouglas.org. The remaining 3 percent is for office supplies and phone/internet service.
Christian Neighbors provides services including food, clothing, and rental assistance to those in need regardless of age, race, citizenship, sexual orientation, or religion. Anyone who has a genuine need will receive assistance.
“The message of the play is we need to be kind and help each other,” Mason said. “This is the thing: People have got to be sensitive to the needs of others.”
The story and the play
The classic tale of the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge from miser to philanthropist through the Christmas Eve visits of his long-dead partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future is based on Dickens’ desire to educate Victorian England of the plight of poor children. He realized the best way to reach people’s hearts would be to publish a vivid story about the Christmas season.
“Smart man!” said Williford.
“To this day, Dickens is remembered for his empathy with those living in poverty,” he said. “I believe that over the 38 years of this production, the show has taken on more and more of the dignity and integrity that honors Dickens’ purpose for the story.”
Directly linking with Christian Neighbors brings out the true spirit of the story.
“The play can bring the story forth, from Dickens, while helping promote Christian Neighbors service to the community,” Williford added. “The merge with Christian Neighbors will help with the play’s focus, drive and meaning.”
The Saugatuck production
“Saugatuck Christmas Carol supporting Christian Neighbors” is at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler St. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and children. All proceeds go to Christian Neighbors.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://saugatuckchristmascarol.LUDUS.com
Links and more information are also available on Facebook. Search “Saugatuck Christmas Carol.”
The play is Friday, Dec 13 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec 14 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec 15 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec 20 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec 21 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec 22 at 7 p.m.
The cast is made up of community members.
Steve Williford is Ebenezer Scrooge. Bill Muzzillo is the narrator.
Other cast members are Chris Abram, Christopher Aumaugher, Lilliana Aumaugher, Sydney Baker, Sylvia Engel, Linzey Field, Bodhi Hanna, Tate Hanna, Beth Huffman, Russ Johnson, Marin Kierzek, Hannah Nendick-Mason, Danny Mayer, Gregory Muncey, Jennifer Rees, Ron Richardson, Josh Schumacher, Elliott Sturm, Layla Vinten-Johansen, and Janice Williford
Assisting with each performance will be Maggie Conklin, Sara Aumaugher, and Peter Black as well as many other volunteers.
Thursday, November 28, 2024
