A Christmas Carol
at Tuscarora High School

Reviewed on December 3, 2016

Aubrey Cervarich
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays quickly approaching, Tuscarora's production of A Christmas Carol is a reminder of the true values of Christmas; family, generosity, and joy. The show's committed actors bring to life the beloved classic and it's the magical message of Christmas.

A novella written by Charles Dickens in 1843, A Christmas Carol achieved immediate success. Consequently, the world-renowned novel was almost immediately adapted for the stage. Along with its many stage productions, this holiday classic has also graced the silver screen dozens of times.

Ebenezer Scrooge has lived his life as an ill-tempered miser. Valuing capital over family and love, Scrooge became a companionless and resentful man. After the death of his sole colleague, Jacob Marley, Scrooge became even more of an intolerable moneygrubber. After being warned of his impending demise, Scrooge is visited by three ghosts; Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. As each ghost confronts Scrooge with his transgressions he is cautioned to mend his ways.

Scrooge, played by Jordan Tate, emulated the sourness of Scrooge's penny-pinching ways. With a crotchety physicality and grizzled vocalization, Tate was a truly unlikable character. As Tate progressed, and Scrooge repented, Tate's physicality shifted to a more open stance, symbolizing his character growth. In Juxtaposition to Scrooge was Bob Cratchit. Played by James Foster, Cratchit's somber yet virtuous demeanor generated empathy. Belle, played by Carrie Zurliene, floated across the stage, a graceful beauty. However, Zurliene soon flew into a screaming fury towards Young Ebenezer, portraying an arc of human emotion and vulnerability.

The Ghost of Christmas Past, played by Katie O'Sullivan, emulated a dainty youthfulness through her bright, and airy vocalizations. O'Sullivan's sprite-like characterization was charming and reminiscent of a Christmas angel. In contrast, the Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Kendall Guntner, created a jolly and earthly presence that provided confident insight.

Christmas Carolers were added into the script, helping ease transitions and set changes with cheerful, holiday classics. As an ensemble, the carolers impressively kept together in time, a challenging feat when singing acapella. The production also utilized children actors, which can be quite demanding on both the actors and director. However, the director smoothly integrated the children in, adding a jovial excitement to the show.

The intricate technical aspects highlighted the actor's performance. Jewel tone, ornate, hoopskirts created warm Christmas imagery. Although out of period, the large dresses mimicked Christmas tree ornaments, elegant and gleeful. From the fairy lights sewn into Christmas Past's dress, to the beading on the Carolers skirts, each embellishment was meticulous and detailed. The Special effects of falling snow and fog added to the Christmas magic of the production. In addition, all the props, especially the food, were extremely realistic. The screened portrait of Jacob Marley stood out as a brilliant effect, enhanced by eerie purple and green lighting. The set created the essence of a charming, little town. Small shops that transitioned effortlessly into homes and offices added to the whimsical nature of the show.

"Bah Humbug" with weekend plans! The whole family will enjoy the holiday spirit of Tuscarora High School's production of A Christmas Carol. For after all, "there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor."

Lukas D'Errico
Woodgrove High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Ho ho ho it's that time of year again, and guess what Santa brought this time: a stingy old miser named Ebenezer Scrooge. This Christmas classic has most definitely served well throughout its years, acting as a moral lesson, teaching children and adults alike about the importance of generosity and kindness. In Tuscarora's production of A Christmas Carol, these values shine through.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is set in London in the mid 1800's. The story follows that of an old miser by the name of Ebenezer Scrooge (Jordan Tate), who hates Christmas and each year hides himself away in his house alongside his piles of money. Because of his constant hatred of Christmas and general rudeness, he is visited by three spirits: The Ghost of Christmas Past (Katie O'Sullivan), Present (Kendall Guntner), and Future (Natalie Ah Nee). Each one takes him to another version of Christmas, along the way demonstrating the different values that are morally tied to the Christmas season. Ebenezer discovers a side of life that he had never experienced--that of joy and happiness, and he learns the ways of kindness and generosity.

Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Jordan Tate, is easily the most important and prominent character in the show. During the show, Tate displayed an immense amount of commitment to his character. He portrayed an old man very well, both physically and vocally, by hunching his back and speaking in a raspy voice. Not only was his portrayal excellent, but for the most part, consistent.

Of course, there wouldn't be a show without its supporting cast. In Tuscarora's A Christmas Carol, there was a diverse cast filled with actors ranging from the 12th grade, all the way down the 3rd grade. One of the most interesting parts of the show was the use of children, rather than short freshmen, to portray the younger characters. As well as children, there was also an ensemble of carolers, who were often used to keep the audience engaged during a long set change. The three Christmas spirits played an obviously key role in the show, being the ones to take Scrooge through the different versions of Christmas. While all three did an excellent job, the one that stood out the most was The Ghost of Christmas Present, played by Kendall Guntner. Throughout her scene, Guntner had excellent stage presence and brought a refreshing amount of energy to the show with her unique characterization.

Other than a few fuzzy microphones, the technical aspect of the show was overall well done. The show contained an impressive amount of large set pieces, which intuitively helped the flow scenes by spinning them while actors were still on them, flipping the scene from an interior space to an exterior space. These specific set changes were of course performed in the middle of scenes, and while they did help keep the scene moving, the crowd of techies moving the set was sometimes distracting.The lighting, especially in the Marley's Ghost scene, was extremely well placed and helped tie together the mood of the scene.

Tuscarora put on an overall solid performance of a difficult show. Containing extremely intuitive set design, excellent lighting, and an engaging ensemble of carolers, a pair of A Christmas Carol tickets will be sure to find their way onto your Christmas list.

Miranda Huffer
Woodgrove High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Snow sprinkles over a quaint street as villagers and carolers hurry to and fro, heading to their families on Christmas eve as the classic character of Ebenezer Scrooge sits in his office, angrily bent over his desk. This gorgeous picture was painted by Tuscarora in their performance of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol.

First written in 1843, the novel of Charles Dickens has been a classic since the beginning. It tells the cautionary tale of an old miser by the name of Scrooge (Jordan Tate) and his lack of love. After brazenly "humbugging" at his nephew Fred (Luke Barbour), his employee Bob Cratchit (James Foster), and even some carolers, Scrooge goes home to find himself visited by his old business partner, Marley (Bertem Demirtas). He warns Scrooge to change his ways and tells him that three spirits will come to visit him, the Ghost of Christmas Past (Katie O'Sullivan), Present (Kendall Guntner), and Future (Natalie Ah Nee). As each one comes, Scrooge examines his own life from start to finish and is taught the meaning of Christmas, waking up to find himself a changed man.

Tuscarora immersed the audience thoroughly with their ambiance, drawing everyone in with Christmas spirit. They achieved this by using a combination of a complex, large set and the vocals of a group of carolers. The set was detailed and humongous, encompassing the entire stage to paint a full picture of a busy street. Carolers came through the audience, drawing everyone in as they sang classic Christmas songs and brought the realism of the scene out into the house.

Scrooge's performance thoroughly tied the show together. Jordan Tate's characterization was strong, keeping a consistent hunched-over feel that held through a variety of emotions and scenes. Scrooge also worked well with the ghosts that visited him, reacting alongside them as he watched scenes of his life. This was particularly noted in his scenes with Christmas Past, his old mannerisms mixing oddly yet fittingly with O'Sullivan's cute, childlike ones as they watched his childhood pass by.

A bright presence was The Ghost of Christmas Present, who didn't even have to speak to give off the jolly vibe that the spirit is known for. The show was also characterized by brief but lively characters, taking their small chunks of lines and turning them into energetic bursts that pushed the show along. Most memorably was Belle (Carrie Zurliene), the past lover of Scrooge. Despite her minimal stage time, the character not only set up Scrooge's motivation but also added considerable energy to the performance, brightening the stage for the brief time she was on it.

Christmas magic is a hard thing to portray on a stage, but Tuscarora brought tech elements that helped to bring the show to life. The strongest of them all was the set, each huge piece turning one way or another into a new, beautiful scene. The usage of snow machines, while sometimes loud and distracting, allowed for a picturesque scene on the streets of the town, putting everyone in the Christmas spirit. Student director Wyatt Regner took on an incredible number of challenges, such as working with actual children and deciding to use creative ensembles, such as the set of demons that haunted Scrooge in the graveyard. The hairstyles for the show were also notable, perfectly period and excellent quality for even the smallest of characters.

Tuscarora's performance captured the essence of Christmas in an engaging way, reminding everyone of why the holiday is celebrated. Take a sleigh-ride down to Tuscarora and enjoy a performance for the entire family!

Corinne Kleinman
Wakefield School
Submitted for publication to Loudoun Now

Through whirling snow, as carolers in terrific period 1840s costumes extolled the values of friendship and goodwill, a curmudgeon learned the values of charity and friendship: with such glad tidings,Tuscarora High School opened the holiday season with a bang. After all, what better way to welcome in this time of peace, love and joy than with Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol?

The tale of a miserly misanthrope visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to convince him to change his ways, this iconic 1843 novella immediately met widespread critical acclaim, endearing itself to generations worldwide - transformed into a variety of genres, including around thirty film versions. A year after publication, nine productions of this tale dominated London stage -- proving that the universal themes of forgiveness, transformation, and charity never go out of style. Interestingly, this story popularized the phrase "Merry Christmas" and spurred many other commonplace Christmas traditions, like family gatherings and serving turkey for Christmas dinner.

Student director Jason Wyatt Ragner jumped wholeheartedly into the creation of 1840s England with an extraordinary number of individual scenes and terrific props that created an unforgettable night. Enormous, two-level, intricate sets (which took a bit of maneuvering) - from Scrooge's office to his two-story house to the graveyard - gave the impression of an actual town. The props, too, lent authenticity, with realistic-looking food items an impressive "fire" in Scrooge's bedroom, a wonderfully designed four-poster bed, and high-tech snow and fog machines, to really bring 1840s England to life.

Into this world of holiday cheer stepped Jordan Tate, committing himself to portraying a Ebenezer Scrooge with a consistent British accent, bent-over posture, grumpy disposition, and believable makeup heightening his anti-Christmas personality. His transformation into a joyous man felt believable and real.
The Ghosts of Christmas Past (Katie O'Sullivan), Present (Kendall Guntner), and Future (Natalie Ah Nee) had fabulous costumes and distinctive make-up, and each added her own individual flair. O'Sullivan, with Christmas lights around her waist, created a charming fairy-like performance by skipping around the stage, dancing to the music, and a whimsical voice. Guntner, clad in a spicy green velour gown to portray Christmas Present, enthralled the audience as she wafted through the Present to reveal Scrooge's family. Ah Nee and her demons effectively portrayed emotional doom, creating startling and deep foreboding in the graveyard as they showed Scrooge his tombstone.

Carrie Zurliene, as Belle, made the most of both of her scenes. With only a few lines, she consistently showed the progress of an entire character of the years as her relationship with Scrooge changed from his being in love with her to being in love with money.

Most adorably, the Junior Actors – Kye Leudemann, Alexa Cuozzo, Anna Hurst, Jacob Costello, Will O'Sullivan, Parker Leudemann, and Joseph Internicola - pulled in strong performances with strong, clear British accents.

The costumes, too, really allowed the actors to shine. Each intricate hoop skirt and petticoat, and many other costumes (64 of 251), were laboriously sewed by Molly Klemm, Carrie Zurliene, Fernanda Estrella, and Teryn Cuozzo. Additionally, the hairstyles of the entire cast were incredible - Mary (Kelly De Angioletti)'s in particular was complex and accurate.

In all, the Tuscarora community came together to help promote the values of friendship and goodwill. Publicizing the holiday spirit, the Marketing and Publicity teams pre-sold an impressive 1033 tickets with their creative Instagram pages and social media profiles.

A night of wonder and magic, Tuscarora's A Christmas Carol brought in the warmth and good cheer of the upcoming holiday, reminding us that generosity brings the world a "Merry Christmas".

Diana Witt
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to The Husky Headline

"God bless us everyone," chimes Tiny Tim, as the Cratchit family toasts to prosperity in the New Year, even for Bob Cratchit's bitter boss, Ebenezer Scrooge. This gesture of generosity from the ailing, young Tiny Tim shows the true meaning of Christmas. The cast and crew of Tuscarora High School's A Christmas Carol revealed poignant messages about family, generosity, and selflessness in their timelessly thoughtful production.

A Christmas Carol is a play based on the novella by Charles Dickens. The story was first published in London in 1843. Christmas in 1840s London is an enchanting season of harmonious carolers and decadent feasts, but Ebenezer Scrooge does not view it that way. The irritable and cynical man cares about only one thing over the holiday season - making money. He does not give his employees the day off, not even Bob Cratchit, a destitute father of a sickly little boy. On midnight of Christmas Eve, Scrooge receives a visit from three ghosts: Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ghost of Christmas Future. The ghosts take him on magical journeys to show him details about his life he never realized and inspire him to change his ways.

Jordan Tate portrayed the resentful Ebenezer Scrooge. Tate embodied the aging man, taking on hunched shoulders and a shuffled gait. His distinct vocal tone resonated through the theater, as he blurted out Scrooge's classic catchphrase, "Bahumbug!" Tate showed the arc in Scrooge's character, transforming from a crotchety old man to a charitable friend.

Katie O'Sullivan played the Ghost of Christmas Past. She exuded a sprite-like persona, equipping herself with a light, swift stride and girlish vocal quality. Her vivacity in her movements and facial expressions sparkled on the stage. The Ghost of Christmas Present was portrayed by Kendall Gunter. Gunter radiated confidence and sass as she paraded around to the different settings in Scrooge's present. Natalie Ah Nee played the Ghost of Christmas Future. Ah Nee's dark characterization contrasted with the first two ghosts. Cloaked in a black cape, Ah Nee slinked across the stage, speaking with a deep eerie tone.

Commendable technical aspects ignited the childlike magic of the holidays in the hearts of the audience. Vibrant costumes fit the status of each character. The penniless Cratchit family's drab rags juxtaposed with the elegant hoop skirts at the ball. The ghosts' whimsical costumes and makeup added a fantasy element to the production. Ghost of Christmas Past's simple, flowy white dress twinkled with tiny string lights. Ghost of Christmas Present wore a sophisticated green gown, while Ghost of Christmas Future wore a long black cloak and ghastly makeup. An extensive range of set pieces decorated the stage, from the masonry exterior of Scrooge's office to the grand dining room, adorned with a mouthwatering Christmas feast.

As Christmas snow falls on the quiet London town, a family rejoices over the generosity of Ebenezer Scrooge. Dainty carols and poignant family moments warmed hearts in the classic tale of a changed man. The cast and crew of Tuscarora High School's A Christmas Carol delighted audiences with their merry production.