Drama students of Arlington High School played to a near full house at the old AHS auditorium, on opening night, and managed to communicate the message of A Christmas Carol by Charlies Dickens last Friday evening, even after missing a lot of the last week of rehearsals due to inclement weather.
As the show opened it wasnt clear if the flickering lights expressed the feel of a lantern-lit world or possibly technical difficulties, but it worked in the end.
Kyle Williams managed to make the transition form a mean ol Scrooge to a cheerful likeable fellow in the classic story that expresses the importance of generosity to the less fortunate. He becomes enlightened with assistance from some very scary ghosts, including Gene Miller as the ghost of Christmas Past, Robert Peiffle as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Brett Baugh as the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. (Baugh alternates with Aritha Fernando in this role.)
Thomsas Stensland played a good Bob Cratchit, maintaining a kind heart toward his mean and evil boss.
Jacob Marley comes back to life through Matt Meyrick, and Dylan Hussey made a good, younger Scrooge.
The cast of almost 50 students includes nine children from Pioneer Elementary School.
Jeff Swansons incidental music set the mood for the production, and Christmas wreathes decorated the walls of the old auditorium.
The high school art club created an impressive London scene for the back drop, and the costumes were carefully true to the Dickens era.
Moberly selected the Romulus Linney version of A Christmas Carol, because it has especially spooky ghosts and more flexible casting.
The show, directed by Scott Moberly, contineus one more weekend starting at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 8 and 9. Tickets are $7 and $5 for ASB students.
For information call Scott Moberly at AHS 360-618-6300, ext. 3117.