SRP Press: The Daily Bulldog

Great article and video about A Christmas Carol published in Farmington's online news source, The Daily Bulldog.

A Christmas Carol Opens December 10th

Sandy River Players presents Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

Sandy River Players presents A Christmas Carol
December 10th through 19th
UMF’s Alumni Theater

Farmington -- This holiday season, join Sandy River Players for a true Victorian tradition as they present Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, running December 10th through the 19th in Alumni Theater on the University of Maine at Farmington campus.

The story is the familiar one. Ebenezer Scrooge (Gordon LePage) receives a visit from four spirits one Christmas Eve, each bent on changing his ways -- particularly the way he treats humble clerk, Bob Crachit (Robin Lisherness). And indeed, it takes the combined efforts of The Ghost of Christmas Past (Rebecca Beaudoin), The Ghost of Christmas Present (John Dube), and their morbid compatriots to send the miserly one down a different path.

Directed and adapted for the stage by Jayne Decker, with music by Jane Parker and costuming by Jeff Watts, this production promises to provide a classic seasonal spectacle. Turning a beloved story into something new for audiences is always a challenge and one the theater company welcomes. Authentic Victorian songs featuring quartet Dan Woodward, Laura Church, Sarah Sloane and Matthew Black, add an extra dimension to the show. And there are always some special elements to the storytelling when a production can boast a cast and chorus of 40 area actors and singers, guaranteeing audiences a memorable family event.

The Sandy River Players production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol runs over two weekends, December 10,11,12 and 17,18,19 at 7:30p.m. with one 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, December 13. Ticket prices range from $8 to $14, with a special discount on opening night.

Seating is very limited. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. Tickets may only be purchased at Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers, located on Broadway in downtown Farmington, reserved by calling 779-7084 (listen carefully to the message for reservation terms), and in very limited numbers at the box office the night of the show.

Auditions: A Christmas Carol

Sandy River Players Children's Summer Music Theater presents The Music Man, July 10-12

Magic and music will come to life on stage at the University of Maine at Farmington’s Alumni Theater as the Sandy River Players Youth Musical Theatre Camp presents The Music Man Junior.

Audiences will be sold on the idea of a swindling, traveling salesman who learns the error of his ways when he falls in love in a small Iowan town set in 1912. Despite the stubbornness of the townspeople they learn the value of acceptance, and Harold Hill teaches the importance of second chances and pulling together as a community.

Catchy musical numbers and witty banter keep the play moving at a fun, quick pace. With timeless music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, and the script written by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey the play will capture the hearts and imaginations of all who see it. The play shows how the con-artist Harold Hill solves the 'trouble in River City' when a pool table comes to town by getting the townspeople to sign their children up for a band. Of course, Hill is the one selling the instruments and the uniforms. He ‘teaches’ the children to play the instruments with his 'think system,' which involves simply thinking about the music. By sheer enthusiasm the children manage to play in a band by the finale.

Thirty, talented, young actors and actresses compose the cast of The Music Man Junior. The performances mark the end of a three-week long camp experience. Over the course of the camp the children have learned musical and technical theatre, choreography, and character development techniques. The result is a production the children are almost entirely responsible for.

The show will run for one weekend Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th at 7pm and Sunday, July 12th at 2pm. Tickets are on sale $6 for students and seniors and $8 for adults. Advance tickets are available at Mickey’s Hallmark in Farmington. Reservations can also be made by calling 779-7084.

SRP Summer Music Theater Camp Is Full

Thank you for the overwhelming interest. SRP Children's Summer Music Theater is full. Please keep an eye out on the SRP website and in local press mid-to-late next winter for information about the summer of 2010.

Now Playing: Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None"

Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" opened Wednesday night and runs through Sunday afternoon at UMF's Alumni Theater. More information is available on the previous entries.

In other news, SRP is now on Facebook. Just search for us, find us, and join the group. It is another great way to find out what is happening with out theater and connect to other members of our extended community.