REASONS to check out A Christmas Carol

a modern musical adaptation of the Charles Dicken's classic

1

Exciting musical numbers and dance

Set in 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota, this contemporary adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” is brought to life in a powerful new way. Spanning nearly two centuries, powerful themes capturing current societal trends reinforce the original Victorian message by Charles Dickens. Adapted and directed by Matthew Dunham with original music by Nate and Amy Jo Mattison, the 17 song and dance numbers, and cast of 70 adults and children help communicate the unforgettable story.

2

It’s a modern version of the original story

New themes applicable to today emerge and fresh scenes begin taking shape. Modernizing the show meant Ebenezer Scrooge’s childhood fell during the Korean War, when his father was drafted into the military, leaving him alone at school. Scrooge’s break-up with his fiancee, Belle, happens during the height of the disco period and the turbulent 1970s. The small counting house is replaced with a more appropriate small business for a successful 21st century businessman, with a dozen overworked, under-insured employees. Today’s technology-obsessed, rampantly-busy era is summarized in a series of huge musical numbers at the top of the show. Scrooge’s upper-middle-class loft means little when his self-imposed isolation leaves him alone with his guilt. Scrooge is visited by the ghost of Marley, his deceased colleague who was work-obsessed, but in death learned the importance of generosity and compassion toward people. We each have moments in life that have the capacity to define our character.

3

It’s a family-friendly version with not-so-scary ghosts

Are your kids still having nightmares about the ghost of Christmas past? Well you won’t have to worry about this one. The original novel by Charles Dickens was published in 1843 when Christmas, as we know it, was first beginning to emerge with all of the gift-giving, trees, parties and carols. Up until then, it had only been observed as a religious holiday. His book capitalized on this new emergence and ultimately cemented the secular holiday as we now know it. Today, it is just as important as it was then to have a glimpse of hope and a reminder of the importance of Christmas in this era of social division and technological revolution where we are more connected, yet simultaneously, more alone.

4 Free admission and hot chocolate

First Assembly is happy to offer this play free of charge as a gift to the Fargo-Moorhead West-Fargo community. Their hope is that this play is a blessing to you and yours, “The beautiful redemptive power of this story is that it is never too late, and nobody is too far gone to respond to God’s voice saying, ‘Choose me.’”

5 Lots of options to attendevenings and afternoons

Fridays and Saturdays

Dec. 8, 7 PM

Dec. 9, 2 PM

Dec. 15, 7 PM

Dec. 16, 2 PM

Doors open 90 minutes prior; auditorium opens 30 minutes prior

FOR MORE INFORMATION call 701-232-0003 firstassembly.fm/achristmascarol INSTAGRAM: @achristmascarolfargo

"When Mourning Dawns" is our six-week series that looks at the seasons of the year to guide our conversations about the seasons of your grief. Preregistration is required and space is limited. Please call or email us if you have questions or interest in this series. for more info: boulgerfuneralhome.com