The 'Christmas Carol' goes country

Carson Performing Arts will be performing the hilarious family, holiday comedy, "Eb Scrooge and the Southern Fried Christmas Carol" at the Brewery Arts Center Black Box Theatre beginning Friday.

It's the same ol' story with a country twist, said Carson High School drama instructor and director Karen Chandler.

The story begins with a community gathering in a town park in the deep south. The kids want a story, so one of the women tells the story of "The Christmas Carol" from memory and puts a country spin on the tale.

"It's pretty cute," Chandler said. "The language is easier to learn and fun to play with. Young kids get a kick out of it.

"I've done every version of "The Christmas Carol," imaginable, including an original version ..., in my 15 years at Carson. The high Victorian language makes it more difficult for kids to grasp the story."

The music is reminiscent of square dancing. The Ghost of Christmas Present is Surfer Ted (double cast with Sarah Pier and Samantha McCarty), complete with leis and a skate board.

"It's very contemporary with images that a young person can hook into very easily."

The production involves 37 students with a double cast from two classes of second year acting students.

Eb Scrooge is played by Jake Branco and Garrett Bowden. Bob Cratchit is Johnny Maseda and Andrew Toland. Tiny Tim is played by Chandler's 6-year-old grandson, Auryn Deem.

The production shows at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 12-13.

Tickets are $5 for BAC members, children and CHS students; $8 general. Tickets are available online at boxoffice@carson.K12.nv.us. For more information, call 775 283-1600. ext. 1680.