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December 18, 2015
Egret in Flight
December 18, 2015
So you think you know Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol?”
Perry Martin says think again.
From Nov. 27 through Dec. 20 at the Bayou Playhouse in Lockport, he’s directing Doris Baizley’s novel adaptation of the timeless classic, a version that he calls “the Cirque Du Soliel of’Christmas Carols.'”
The production includes original music, harlequin clowns and jugglers, special effects and illusions, amounting to what the veteran local director and producer says will be a unique exhibition of stagecraft.
“This is the biggest celebration of Christmas spirit there is,” Martin said. “The Ghost of Christmas Future is a seven-foot tall puppet.”
In this retelling of the Dickens classic, the audience is introduced to a traveling theater troop about to embark on their own performance of “A Christmas Carol.”
A huge, ornate trunk rolled onstage gives the first clue that something is different. Once opened clowns and mimes spill onto the stage.
The absence of Scrooge and Tiny Tim from the traveling show’s cast leads to swift changes, and the drama and comedy begin in earnest.
“The Christmas Spirits work their magic and warm the heart of Scrooge, as well as the entire audience,” a promotional statement for the show reads.
Bayou Playhouse favorite Dane Rhodes plays Scrooge and Travis Resor is Marley’s ghost.
Rhodes has appeared at the Playhouse in “Turtles & Alligators,” “Torn Page” and, most recently, as Capt. Keller in “The Miracle Worker.”
Rhodes has appeared on screen in “Django Unchained,” “The Free State of Jones” with Matthew McConaughey and “A Love Song for Bobby Long.”
Resor played the role of Chet in the film “Waiting.” Last year, he appeared on the Bayou Playhouse stage in “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” in the title role.
Other Bayou Playhouse productions he has appeared in include “Okra”; “A Streetcar Named Desire”; “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”; “Catfish Moon” and “Katrina, Mother-In-Law of Em’ All.”
Born in Baton Rouge on an LSU stage, this version of “A Christmas Carol” was seen and promoted by Martin.
“It’s an explosion of Christmas,” Martin said. “A magical journey of imagination unfolds.”
“A Christmas Carol” will be a retelling of the Charles Dickens classic. The performance will take place Nov. 27-Dec. 20 at the Bayou Playhouse.
