The Vagabond Players are turning a Charles Dickens classic on its head for their Christmas production.
Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge opened Dec., 15 and is onstage at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen's Park until Jan. 7.
The musical by Christopher Durang takes an alternative look at the Ebenezer Scrooge story: What would happen if the ghost's magic malfunctions, consistently transporting Scrooge to the wrong time and place?
In the production, the loving and long-suffering Mrs. Bob Cratchit is revisited as a depressed alcoholic, tired of her children and exhausted from overwhelming poverty.
As the ghost continues to lose control, the plot morphs into various parodies - of Oliver Twist, The Gift of the Magi and It's a Wonderful Life.
And, to make matters worse, Scrooge and Mrs. Cratchit seem to be kindred spirits falling in love.
Director Katherine Bethell leads a cast that includes Karen Worrod in the title role, Brent Cross as Scrooge, Anne-Marie de la Giroday as the ghost, Jordan Spanjers as Bob Cratchit and Matt Parsons as Tiny Tim. Also appearing are Jordan Earle, Emma Leigh Hillier, Tanveer Kahlon, Paul Lapointe, Lorynne Machado, Emily Nadeau and Jesse Redmond.
Anne-Marie de la Giroday and Emma Leigh Hillier are musical directors, with Jill White as costume designer, Craig Premack as set designer, Des Renard on sound and lights, Cheryl Stephenson on props and Angel Chung as stage manager.
The show runs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.
There will be no performances on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (Dec. 24 or 25) or Jan. 4.
Seating is general admission. Tickets are $15 regular or $13 for students and seniors.
Call 604-521-0412 or email reservations@vagabondplayers. ca to book tickets in advance.
See the website at www. vagabondplayers.ca for more details about the production and the Vagabond Players' upcoming 2012 offerings.
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