“A Christmas Carol” With A Twist: Local Theater Group Takes On Charles Dickens Classic

We’re all familiar with the plot: after grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, he changes his ways and turns into a kinder person. But, this December, Our Fabulous Variety Show (OFVS) is taking the classic Charles Dickens’ tale, A Christmas Carol, and letting it unfold through the twists and turns of the evolving troupe of East End thespians’ variety show during A Spectacular Christmas Carol, the organization’s 12th production and fifth annual holiday show.

The Cratchit Family. (Photo: Hailey Nielsen)

“A Spectacular Christmas Carol returns to Guild Hall after opening last year in December 2014,” noted Kasia Klimiuk, OFVS co-founder. Back by popular demand, this year’s production will feature a few familiar faces, for those who caught the original show. “The show will star Tony D’Alessio as Scrooge and feature various twists and turns as we travel back to the 80s to see his past, take a look at his present and witness a very grim future,” explained Klimiuk.

Along with D’Alessio, who is reprising his role as Scrooge, the performances will also showcase the talents of Lee Michel, Hanna Medler, Tori Schmitt, Talia Albukrek, Danny Ximo of DEOX| Raffa, Alexandra DiMaria, Claire Krauss, Vincent DiMaria, Georgia Kenny, Kerri O’Donnell, Ryleigh O’Donnell, Olivia Suter, Carlee Kenny, Krystal Lamiroult, Edna Winston, Eden Lowlicht, Thomas Sulfaro, Talia Albukrek, Julianna Gargiulo, Samantha King, Kristen Curcie, Emma Hren, Madeleine Brown, Georgia Hren, Mia Pardini, Lila Ruddy, Christina Terry, Frank Bademci, Taylor Duchemin, Bailey Grant, Hannah Hartsough, Sophie Hinkle, Mary McDonald, Sorrel Miller, Peter Nolan, Brittney Schmitt and Kristen Curcie.

“We invite the whole family to come see if Scrooge changes his miserly ways for the better,” said Klimiuk. “With over 40 performers and crew, the show will benefit the OFVS Performing Arts Scholarship and HUGS, Inc. and is sure to be a holiday treat.”

A Spectacular Christmas Carol was created by OFVS co-founders Kasia Klimiuk and Anita Boyer, who will direct, produce, and be featured in the show, which includes choreography by Boyer, Klimiuk, Ximo, and Lamiroult.

Tony D’Alessio will reprise his role as Scrooge. (Photo: Hailey Nielsen)

Performances will take place at Guild Hall on Friday, December 4th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday December 5th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 6th at 2 p.m. Tickets begin at $15.

Proceeds from the weekend will support OFVS’ Performing Arts Scholarship Fund and HUGS, Inc., an East End-based youth empowerment organization. Founded in 2014, the OFVS Performing Arts Scholarship Fund awarded its first recipient, Montauk local Colleen Edwards, $1,000 for her undergraduate studies at Hofstra University.

Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton. For tickets, visit ourfabulousvarietyshow.org.