m a s t e r a r t s . o r g
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens, adapted by Romulus Linney
Director: Lorna Torres Assistant Director: Kelli Burns
Experience the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from an embittered, ungenerous creature into a giving, caring human being at the hands of three Christmas spirits who show him what life is truly about. This richly textured adaptation brings the full spirit of Charles Dickens’ story to life on the stage
Tickets are $16/adults, $14/seniors (63+) and students and $8/children (12 and under). Tickets may be purchased online at www.masterarts.ludus.com or by calling the box office at (616) 455-1001. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. of New York, NY
STAGE WHISPERS_________________
Dale Bales (Ebenezer Scrooge)
Dale is an accomplished actor and director not just at Master Arts, but many West Michigan community theaters. His most recent role was as Archie Beaton in Brigadoon at Shadblow Theater in Jenison. He has also appeared as Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol, Dad in Leaving Iowa, Anthony Kirby in You Can't Take It With You and many more here at Master Arts Theatre. Dale says, "It has been a real joy sharig the stage with actors I have directed before and with some friends for the first time. "
Fiona Bergin (Fan/Martha)
This is Fiona's first time on the Master Arts stage, but she has done plenty of theater in school, including playing the Mirror in Snow White at Children's Creation Theatre. She has enjoyed getting to work with really talented actors who are all perfect for their roles!
Micah Bergin (Tiny Tim)
Micah appears for the first time at Master Arts Theatre after playing Dopy in Snow White at Children's Creations Theatre and various roles in school plays.
Madison Coykendall (Lucy/Fezziwig Daughter)
Madison is quickly becoming a veteran of the Master Arts stage, having played three roles in the past year! Madison first appeared in our Christmas show last year, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, followed up by playing Mary Prentice in Guess Who's Coming To Dinner.
Ryker Coykendall (Boy Caroler)
Ryker joins us in his first time on the Master Arts stage. Welcome, Ryker!
Joe "Yeoman" Crosser (Gentleman / Ghost of Christmas Future
Joe joins us for the first time at Master Arts, and has enjoyed feeling really welcomed. Joe has been seen on stage at both Holland Commmunity Theatre and West Michigan Savoyards.
Liesl DeJone (Undertaker's Woman/Party Guest)
Liesl has appeared in several productions here at Master Arts, including Anne of Green Gables, Life Derailed, and most recently in Quilters. Liesl has enjoyed working with a large gropu of talented people, and would like to thank you for coming. We couldn't do it without you!
Nate DeLange (Orson)
Nate was Aslan in last summer's Youth production of The Magician's Nephew, and last years production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
MJ Farris (Peter Cratchit)
MJ has been busy with Master Arts this year . . . This is her third show in a row after being in our season opener, QUILTERS and our Youth Show this past summer, THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW. MJ is also very involved in the Wyoming High School Theater company. MJ has this to say to you, "Everyone has a story to tell. Don't be afraid to tell yours through any medium you can fit it into. For me, my story starts on stage. It's up to you to decide where you start, and what story you're telling."
Andrew Gommesen (Ghost of Christmas Present)
Andrew is a long time supporter of Master Arts. His most recent credits include assistant directing both GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER and MISS BENNETT: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY. Andrew can be heard on his podcast, Speaking4Him and has preached at several churches around the area. Andrew hopes this show helps you to see the importance of living your life to the fullest. Romans 14:8
Lavender Sky Gunderman (Julia/Fezziwig Daughter)
This is Lavender's first show with Master Arts Theatre, and has enjoyed the friendly community here! Lavender works as a daycare worker and teacher's assistant at East Martin Christian Elementary School. Welcome to the Master Arts family, Lavender!
Alex Jacobssen (Nephew Fred)
Alex has been seen previously on the Master Arts stage as Arthur in MISS BENNETT: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY and Mr. Tumnus in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. He is no stranger to performing in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, having appeared as Peter Cratchit in middle school! Alex has enjoyed the great cast and creative team on this production.
Ross D. Landhuis (Jacob Marley/Businessman)
Ross' involvement with theater normally entails dinner theater acting, set construction, and prop design. He builds commissioned pieces for local community theaters as well as elementary and high school productions. His prop and set work for Master Arts has included pieces for THE SINGER, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, THE IMAGINARY INVALID, FATHER KNOWS BEST, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS and LITTLE HOUSE: CHRISTMAS AT PLUM CREEK. The props he designs and builds are in remembrance of his son Paul, who passed away in 2016 at 23 years of age. He loved acting while a student at Byron Center Christian School as well as South Christian. When Paul was in sixth grade, he got Ross involved with THE WIZARD OF OZ . . . Ross was Uncle Henry and Paul was a flying monkey - who Ross got to fly from backstage. Paul is eager to help with future productions for all sorts of theaters. He can be reached at Specialty Props by Ross at rdlandhuis@gmail.com.
Ava Liceaga (Gillian Cratchit)
Ava is a prolific actor, having appeared in several productions here at Master Arts as well as with Homeschool Performing Arts. Her Master Arts credits include Josie in LIFE DERAILED and Lucy in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Ava has enjoyed being able to meet kind and sweet people as well as seeing Christ work through the actors and staff. ❤️ "I'm blessed to have these people in my life and I'm glad Lorna talked me into auditioning!"
Meg Pazdur (Miranda Cratchit)
Meg got her start with Master Arts as the Fox in THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW this past summer, but has also appeared in productions at PTC and Homeschool Performing Arts. "Every role matters."
Melissa Ruiter (Caroline/Parent/Party Guest)
Master Arts audiences will recognize Melissa from her performances as Laura in FATHER BROWN and Mrs. Jones from FATHER KNOWS BEST. Melissa has also helped behind the scenes volunteering in many capacities.
Bob Rushing (Gentleman/Old Joe)
Bob is a veteran of the Master Arts stage, having appeared in COTTON PATCH GOSPEL, THE SINGER and THE BEAMS ARE CREAKING. He has also had roles at Grand Rapids Civic Theater and Shadblow Theater
Stephen Smith (Boy Scrooge)
This is Stephen's third show with Master Arts, having also appeared in last season's THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER.
B. Mackenzie Thiel (John/Mr. Topper/Party Guest)
Mr. Thiel returns to the Master Arts stage after having appeared as Phileas Fogg in AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, Bill Laverly in WHEN CALLS THE HEART and rols in MAN OF LA MANCHA and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. He has enjoyed being back on stage after a three year hiatus!
Colleen Thompson (Mrs. Fezziwig/Laundress)
Colleen will be instantly recognizable to Master Arts audiences, having appeared in several productions including OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS and COPENHAGEN. She has also appeard in productions with Exit Left Theatre and The University Wits. Colleen asks you all to "Keep Christmas in your heart all year long."
Kevin Troupe (Mr. Fezziwig/Businessman)
Kevin is probably most well know around Master Arts as being the father of several young actors who have graced our stage, but he is finally joining us in the fun! Kevin has 21 years of "behind the scenes" experience designing and building sets for Calvary Church's Festival of Lights, as well as working on lighting and stage crews. Kevin shares, "For several years my daughters have been involved on stage and behind the scenes for several Master Arts productions. We have always said, 'Someday we should so a show together.'"
Sarah Anne Troupe (Valentine/Party Guest)
This is Sarah Anne's second production with Master Arts, having also appeared in WILLY WONKA. She also has done several performances with Homeschool Performing Arts, Reflections of Grace Ballet and Calvary Church. She has enjoyed doing a production with her dad and working with the wonderful people at Master Arts.
Jason Vandy Bogurt (Young Scrooge)
This is Jason's third role at Master Arts in the past two seasons, having also played Clay in LIFE DERAILED and Pa in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. He has also appeared in productions at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Jason would like to dedicate hsi performance to his grandparents, who passed this year.
Gina Weaver (Ghost of Christmas Past/Charwoman)
Gina returns to the Master Arts stage after appearing as Mrs. Drayton in last season's GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER and Mrs. Bucket in WILLY WONKA. Other favorites roles have been Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS and JoAnna in SWEENEY TODD (GRCT), Lady MacBeth in MACBETH (Heritage Theater), Whitney in A PIECE OF MY HEART (Actor's Theater), Evalita in DADDY'S DYIN' WHO'S GOT THE WILL? and Principal in ALMOST MAINE (Circle Theater). She has also performed with improv shows with Undercover Productions and United Stage. "I love working with this cast and production crew, all of whom work hard and take the art and purpose seriously, yet have fun together as a caring community. I also must shamelessly admit that I love working on stage with my talented daughter. To my family - parents, siblings, husband Christopher, son Stephen and daughter Melinda - thank you for your steadfast love and support! It is wealth beyond compare."
Melinda Weaver (Belle)
Besides appearing in our summer Youth show MISS NELSON IS MISSING, Melinda has been on stage in three other roles with Master Arts . . . as an Oompa Loompa in WILLY WONKA, Pegeen in ORPHAN TRAIN and Susan in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. She is a student at GVSU.
Therese M. Zimmer (Mrs. Cratchit)
Therese last appeared onstage in Master Arts' production of ENCHANTED APRIL and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, but has also worked backstage. She also appeared in 30 YEARS at Stage M in Big Rapids. Therese loves Christmas and being involved in Christmas productions. She would like to tell the audience, "Master Arts puts on wonderful productions so keep coming back!"
The Music Behind A CHRISTMAS CAROL🎶
Carol of the Bells - George Winston
Noel, Noel, Voici L'Enfant - Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning
Three English Carols (Medley) - Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumbel
Soul Cake - Sting
Christus Factus Es (Lord Nelson Mass) - Western Michigan University Chorale
The Holly & The Ivy - Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumbel
Ding Dong Merrily On High/The Cordal Jig/Old Apples In Winter/Con Cassidy's - Cherish The Ladies
Wexford Carol - Jeff Johnson, Brian Dunning & Wendy Godwin
Good King Wenceslas - Robin Le Mesurier
God Rest Ye - Cody Fry
Good Christian Men Rejoice - John Darnall
I Wonder As I Wander/What Child Is This (Medley) - Eric Tingstad & Nancy Rumbel
Carol of the Bells - Tim Janis
