Arlington High School drama teacher, Scott Moberly, has announced a very special holiday treat. The AHS Drama Department will present A Christmas Carol by Charlies Dickens at the old AHS auditorium, 135 S. French St., 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9, directed by Moberly.
A cast of almost 50 students includes nine children from Pioneer Elementary and incidental music by Jeff Swanson, said Moberly. Swanson is music teacher at Post and Haller middle schools.
The old auditorium is just perfect for this production, said Moberly, who consistently makes the most of the situation of not yet having a performing arts center at the high school.
Its kind of dark and gloomy and spookey, he said, adding that they plan to decorate the theater for Christmas and fill the hall with the smell of hot mulled cider and the sounds of childrens voices singing.
One of the moms, Marcy Taylor, is an aspiring interior decorator and she is going all out to decorate the lobby and the theater. Moberly said that Lynn and Ed Stone have been extremely helpful in pulling the production together. Lynn Stone works at the high school and Ed Stone is an experienced actor.
Moberly said that he recruited the young performers from Pioneer Elementary School to play the kids in the Cratchet family.
I just asked Karl Olson [the principal], the music teacher Sue Shultz and Laurie Swanson, who runs the summer music camp, Moberly said noting the high school students really jumped up to help the younger kids.
All of them have worked really hard, he said adding the sets are really complex, with 18 different scenes to create.
Moberly selected the Romulus Linney version of A Christmas Carol, because it has especially spooky ghosts and more flexible casting.
Were gonna gussy up the old place, he said. I really hope we get a good turnout. We hope to make some money off this very popular holiday story.
This is Moberlys second year teaching drama at Arlington High School and he is constantly impressed with the enthusiasm he sees among parents in the district.
Hardly a day goes by that I dont get a call from a parent asking, how can I help.
Even the new drama teacher from Lakewood High School, where he taught before, will be helping.
Lydia Hickok offered to help with make-up, Moberly said adding he is convinced that he has a charmed life.
Tickets are $7 and $5 for ASB students.
For information call Scott Moberly at AHS 360-618-6300, ext. 3117.

A Christmas Carol Cast
Ebenezer Scrooge Kyle Williams
Bob Cratchit Tom Stensland
Fred / Fezziwig Guest Andy Zook
Caroler #1 Delaney Scott
Gentleman #1/Businessman (Act2)/Fezziwig Guest Sam Miller
Gentleman #2/Businessman (Act2)/Fezziwig Guest Dennis Sorrentino
Fezzi Guest/ Businessman (Act 2) Joe Farler
Caroline Comfort Israel
Marley Matt Meyrick
The Ghost Of Christmas Past Gene Miller
Valentine Chase Milless
Orson Ben Oesch
Boy Scrooge Josh Rodriguez
Fan Alaina Wright
Young Scrooge Dylan Hussey
Violinist(s) Sam Earhardt, Zach Earhardt
Mrs. Fezziwig Cassie White
Belle Danika Drake
*Caroler in Park Taylor Smoots
Fezziwig Daughters Danyel Larson, Amanda Molsee, Janelle Pittman
The Ghost of Christmas Present/Mr. Fezziwig Robert Peiffle
Mrs. Cratchit Stephanie Davis
Peter Cratchit Michael Schranck
Belinda Cratchit Brittany Baugh
Gillian Cratchit Lauren Beall
*Miranda Cratcht Jacklyn Bennett
*Martha Cratchit Kate Moberly
*Tiny Tim Cratchit Zac Cushman
Julia, Freds Wife Jane Waggoner
Lucy, Julias sister Janelle Hudon
Mr. Topper/Fezziwig Suitor Andrew Algard
Christmas Yet to Come Brett Baugh
*Ignorance/Ensemble Brenna Kamppi
*Want/Ensemble Elise Weaver
Carolines Husband Marcus Dolan
Old Joe/Old Man/Fezziwig Suitor Ben Stone
Charwoman Roxanne Franck
Undertakers Woman Paige Swinney
Laundress Erica Ewell
Caroler (Turkey Kid) Taylor Smoots
Christmas Carol Ensemble: Gabrielle Shiosaki, Kaylee Hardin, Ashley Galusha, Jessica Oldham.