Put a little Christmas in your heart!
Forty-nine years ago, Ira David Wood III’s musical comedy adaptation of A Christmas Carol premiered at Theatre In The Park. David wanted to pen an original version of the Charles Dickens classic since he was a student at The University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He was certain of one thing: he didn’t want it to be a traditional adaptation, but he still wanted to remain faithful to the original theme.
When his adaptation of A Christmas Carol opened in 1974, public demand was immediate. Seat cushions were sold off lobby sofas to accommodate overflow crowds. Due to popular demand, the show soon shifted to the larger space at Raleigh’s Memorial Auditorium. Only once has the company not performed in Raleigh. In 1989, A Christmas Carol was presented at Chapel Hill’s Dean Smith Center where it played to its largest single audience - over 10,000 people at one performance!
In keeping with the spirit of its creation, A Christmas Carol continues to serve as a major fundraiser for Theatre In The Park as well as many charitable causes. Chosen to represent the City of Raleigh in conjunction with the National Sister Cities Program, the production’s reputation became international with acclaimed tours to Kingston-Upon-Hull, England in 1987 and Compiègne, France in 1989. A Christmas Carol returned to France in 2009 in honor of the 20th Anniversary of Raleigh and Compiègne becoming Sister Cities. One British reviewer wrote: “Given a West End theatre, this show could run for years.” Perhaps this adaptation’s greatest seal of approval has come from members of the Dickens family, who over the years have traveled from England to attend the production.
Since its premiere forty-eight years ago, almost two million people have delighted in this unique production’s rare and special magic. A Christmas Carol was named the number one special event at DPAC for the 2013-14 season and December 7-13, 2014 was declared “A Christmas Carol Week” by Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane. Raleigh’s News & Observer has cited this adaptation as “. . . one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theatre history.”
David has played the role of Scrooge since 1974, with one exception. In 2010, open heart surgery required David to relinquish the role. Fortunately, his son, Ira David Wood IV, took the reins and continued proudly in his father’s footsteps. Not one to shy away from the stage, David still made a walk-on appearance every night. This year, Ira David Wood IV will perform the role of Scrooge in select performances.
Theatre In The Park would like to thank YOU, our audience, for your wonderful support over the years. We are deeply honored that you have included us in the celebration of your holiday season.
Lamplighter
Nephew Fred
Sean Allen
Chris Maxwell Niece
Becca Bralley Bob Cratchit
David Moore Tiny Tim Cratchit
Grayson Gutekunst Mrs. Cratchit
Heather Shinpaugh Peter Cratchit
Graham Gutekunst Martha Cratchit
Jane Fitzpatrick Belinda Cratchit
Stella Lanier Jacob Marley
David Henderson Young Scrooge
Carter Phillips Mr. Fezziwig
Brent Simpson Mrs. Fezziwig
Molly Hamelin Laura .............................. Isabella Kenoyer/Kameron Draper Elmer The Christmas Elf
Frank Theriault Ghost of Christmas Past
Cecelia Jensen Ghost of Christmas Present
John Shearer Ghost of Christmas Future
Casey Cleland, Betsy Gershaw,
Greg Moore ‘You Can Do It’ Singers
Velazquez
and starring
Ira David Wood III & Ira David Wood IV as Ebenezer Scrooge
Cast Townspeople
Makenzie Anderson, Catherine Bass, Ricky Blalock, Dempsey Bond, Julia Clayton, Casey Cleland, Gene Cordon, Sam Davis, Rob Douglas, Gary Gardenhire, Patty Gardenhire, Betsy Gershaw, Heather Gutekunst, Jon Gutekunst, Molly Hamelin, Leyna Harris, Cecelia Jensen, Heidi Johnston, Stella Lanier, Rob Maitland, Brooke Miller, Finn Miller, James Miller, Piper Miller, Taylor Mills, Caroline Moore, Seanna Osborne, Alden Elizabeth Parsons, Anna Berkeley Parsons, Mia Pettiford, Jonathan Rand, Parker Rand, JR Richardson, Tracy Rose, Brent Simpson, Sutton Smith, Juanita Velazquez, Thomas Miller Wood, McKinley Younger
Dancers
Hannah Allen, Becca Bralley, Kameron Draper, Amelia Edmonston, Caroline Glenn, Isabella Kenoyer, Brooke Miller, David Michael Mills, Seanna Osborne, Carter Phillips, Kelly Stewart, Hunter Taylor, Lawson Walker
WE RESOLVE.
TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITIES.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina recognizes the unique role the arts play in feeding the mind, heart and soul. We applaud all efforts that serve the health and well-being of North Carolinians.
Thank you, Theatre in the Park.
Over 60 years old, Theatre In The Park is Raleigh’s premiere regional theatre, and as one of the state’s largest non-profit performing arts organizations, has produced more original works than any theatre in NC.
Originally chartered in 1947, Theatre In The Park started out as The Children’s Theatre of Raleigh, Inc. During the early 70’s, its name was changed to Theatre In The Park in order to reflect its expanded programming, location and new “home” in the National Guard Armory building located in scenic Pullen Park.
In 2004, the building was renamed “The Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre,” to reflect the decades of work done by the theatre’s Executive and Artistic Director.
Theatre In The Park has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Arts from the Raleigh Arts Commission; was appointed NC’s Cultural Ambassador to France & England; and our annual production of A Christmas Carol has been voted one of the “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” by the Southern Tourism Society.
Each year, Theatre In The Park works closely with a number of charitable organizations and civic groups, providing direct financial and in-kind support, keeping with our mission to “EDUCATE, ENLIGHTEN, EMPOWER, and always ENTERTAIN.”
Recent partners include:
American Cancer Society, Arts Access, Duke Children’s Hospital, Hilltop Home Foundation, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Pretty in Pink Foundation, Prevent Child Abuse, NC, American Lung Association, Caring Family Network, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, NC Food Bank, The Rotary Club
BOARD OF ASSOCIATES
Van Eure
McCrae Hardy
Bob Hatley
Lisa Hood
John Jernigan
Arnold Lynch
James Maynard
Mrs. Larry Monteith
Candace Covington-Olander
Dr. David Overton
Robert J. Ramseur, Jr.
Smedes York
Henry Young
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sean Allen President
Debbie Laney
Secretary
Gary Gardenhire
Patty Gardenhire
Bruce Ham
Dr. Robert Harris
Katie Martin
Brooke Miller
David Moore
Mark Olexik
Adrienne Earle Pender
Lisa Poole
J.R. Richardson
Tim Ruffin
David Sherlin
Heather Shinpaugh
You know A Christmas Carol . . . But do you know Theatre In The Park?
Contributors to Theatre In The Park
Theatre In The Park is grateful to our contributing members for their generous support. Their investment in our mission strengthens the cultural vitality of this community by sustaining all you see on this stage as well as many educational and outreach programs of the theatre. To become a contributing member, please call our office at 919-831-6936, or visit us in the lobby.
Producers ($5000+)
Gail and Dean Bunce Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation
Benefactors ($1000-4999)
Brent Simpson and Danny Driscoll Tommy and Pat Frazier Joseph Duncan Barbara and Jim Gardner Brooke and James Miller Bob and Hannah Poteat Southern Lawns of Raleigh, LLC Danny Wilson
Sustainers ($500-$999)
JoLynn and William Arseniu Jim and Linda Brannan Randall and Claudia Denton Jerald and Amanda Fountain Cheryl and Charles Hall David Kennedy
Joshua Martin Doug and Georgia Meckes Arnold Pender Lynn and Ann Tew Jeffrey H. Price and Lisa Tillis Janet Watson Hamilton E. Withers, III
Patrons ($250-$499)
Sean and Jamie Allen Mike and Kaye Bailey Linda and Thomas Birk Steven Wood and Libby Bunn Gillie and Tom Church Alan and Ella Colborn Dena and Marty Coward Dianne and James Creech Alice Garland and Mike Davis Linda Rapuano and Joseph Dirr Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Fisher III Rachael P. Fuhrman Thomas and Lisa Giroux Holly and Bob Harris Don and Connie Hiller Steve Johnson
Deann Jones Eric and Tonya Mills Adrienne Pender John and Michelle Phelps Lubin and Nancy Prevatt William Rasdorf Kathy and John Riedy Stephanie Shook Earl Singleton Robert and Alice Sliwa Dru McClelland Smith Donna Strickland Mark and Judy Thompson Leigh and Sandy Vaughan Cheryl and Joe Wolozyn
Friends ($100-$249)
Jim Barrick Heather Boodey Harlan and Sheri Britt Mary Craig and Brick Brown Tim Brown John and Nora Buben Sandra Carlino Burton Carnegie Paul Carr Janis Coville The Cowan Group Ginny Delaney Phyllis and Martin Demko Tom and Peggy Eifler Cheek, Vance, Smith, Barwick Family Arthur and Martha Fletcher Brenda and Jerry Foldesi Morgan Ford Don and Beth Fuller John and Carolyn Gallick Ellen and Larry Goode Greg and Pam Griffin Sue Hughes Marty and Rose Jenkins Molly and Steven Kiefer Vicky Langley
Pat and George Lee Mike and Janet Masters Deborah Mcstoots Robert and Susan Montgomery Rich and Roberta Morgart Kay and Linda Mowery Marilyn Palmer Scott and Jackie Palmquist Beverly Patterson Sam and Sharon Pennica Anne Platsky L. Norwood Pritchett Razzmatazz Senior Dance Troupe Joyce Rothchild Jean Sculati Heather Shinpaugh Brian and Gynell Sippy Cathy and Richard Smith Brian Sweeney Sammy and Barbara Taylor Fred Watke Michael and Meredith Watson Barbara and David Weinstein Duane Williams Elaine W Wood
Make an Impression Placeholder
YOU BELIEVE
Theater is about more than performing art. It’s about community. About coming together, enriching our lives. WE AGREE
If you’re the producers of this performance of A Christmas Carol, you’d choose Medlin-Davis. Thanks, TIP, for putting your trust in us.
In Loving Memory
“On Christmas Day, remember me.”
Bob Allen
Don Ayscue
Steve Barlow
Della Basnight
Jim Bates
Gert Bliss
Stephen Boyette
Linda Bryant
Phyllis J. Bullock
Kurt Buscam
Helen Crisp
Bettie Duffy
Allen Everhart
Joe Farrell
JK Ferrell
Annemarie Fenske Hilda Gothson
Lisa Ham
Patrick Harvey Richard Hatch
Earl Hunter
Christopher SeaJay Johnson
Fran Johnston
Roger Jones
Rick Koobs
Bill Langley
Shawn Stewart-Larson
Michèle Le Chatelier
Kristian Marceno
Rodney Marsh
Bob McAuliffe
Willie Graham Medlin
Lane Miller
Rudy Partin
David Permar
Greg Peterkin
Don Pickette
J. Lynn Pittman
Craig Price
Rika
Woody Rhodes
Jo Lee Credle Robinson
Greg Smith
Snuggles
Ed Stahl
Larry Stogner
Mark Utermohlen
Joyce Weiser
Bettie W. Wood
Connecting People With the
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2022-2023
Raleigh Arts Partners
• African American Cultural Festival
• Animazement
• Arts Access
• Arts Together
• Artspace
• Artsplosure
• Burning Coal Theatre Company
• CAM Raleigh
• Carolina Ballet
• Chamber Music Raleigh
• Community Music School
• Cultural Voice of NC
• El Pueblo
• The Justice Theater Project
• Marbles Kids Museum
• National Women’s Theatre Festival
• The NC Chamber Music Institute
• NC Master Chorale
• NC Museum of History
Pueblo con las Artes
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• NC Opera
• NC State LIVE
• NC State University Theatre
• NC Symphony
• NC Theatre
• North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
• Nuv Yug Cultural Organization
• Performance Edge
• Philharmonic Association • PineCone
• Raleigh Boychoir
• Raleigh Civic Symphony Association
• Raleigh Little Theatre
• The Raleigh Ringers
• Theatre in the Park
• Theatre Raleigh
• TheGifted Arts
• VAE Raleigh
Our Family of Proud Sponsors Healthy Holidays Sponsor
Heart of the Holidays Sponsor Show Sponsors
Bunce Family Casto Management Services Jaguar Land Rover of Cary Joan and Ran Johnston Koka Booth Amphitheatre Liberty Senior Living Management LLC
Ragsdale Liggett Raleigh Orthodontics
Anonymous Bailey’s
Duke Energy Center for The Performing Arts
Razzmatazz Senior Dance Troupe Saint David’s School LeGrande and Doug Smith Towne Bank WakeMed Mary “Winkie” Worley
Theatre In The Park wishes to thank our sponsors that have contributed generously to our 2022 Season.
Theatre In The Park is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on recommendations of the Office of Raleigh Arts.
Ira David Wood III is the Founder & Executive Director of Theatre In The Park. A graduate of The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, he was raised in Enfield, NC and became his hometown’s first Eagle Scout. Summers during his college years were spent as a leading actor in The Lost Colony, the oldest outdoor drama in the country, and for seven years, David also served as Artistic Director. Upon graduation, he became the first Theatre Arts Consultant for the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. A year later, he founded Theatre In The Park, and established its home in the old Pullen Park Armory building. In only a few years, Theatre In The Park became North Carolina’s largest community theatre with an international reputation. David wrote and directed the Opening Ceremonies for the Summer Olympic Festival - the largest single event ever held in North Carolina. Two of his original plays (Eros & Illinois and Requiem For a King) have had extended runs Off-Broadway. His script, Requiem For a King, has also been optioned by Motown Productions. His play, Finale, was recently published by Original Works, Inc.
In honor of his many achievements, Raleigh’s City Council voted unanimously to rename the theatre’s facility “The Ira David Wood III Pullen Park Theatre.” In September of 2010, he was inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame, and in 2014 he received the prestigious North Carolina Award in Fine Arts.
A partial list of honors include: The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, The Halifax Resolves Award, The Morrison Award, The Distinguished Alumni Award from UNCSA, The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, two Raleigh Medal of Arts awards, and the Builder of Bridges Award. He has been presented three keys to The City of Raleigh and honorary citizenship awards from Columbia, SC and Compiegne, France.
Consistently voted Best Local Actor in decades of public opinion polls, David has managed to accumulate impressive film and television credits, having appeared on screen with such stars as Christopher Walken, Natalie Wood, Neil Patrick Harris, Cliff Robertson, Matthew Modine, James Earl Jones, Burt Reynolds, and Louise Fletcher.
David is probably best known and loved for annually portraying the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in his own musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which celebrates its 49th year of consecutive production this year. A Christmas Carol was named the number one special event at DPAC for the 2014-15 season and December 7-13, 2014 was declared “A Christmas Carol Week” in the City of Raleigh by Mayor Nancy McFarlane. With three international tours to its credit, and having played to almost two million people, the production is now cited as “. . . one of the most successful shows in North Carolina theater history.”
David plans to step down from the role of Scrooge once the production celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2023. His son, Ira David Wood IV, will take over the role. David will continue to direct the show. David is the author of A Lover’s Guide to The Outer Banks, Confessions Of An Elf, and The Russian Galetea. He is also a contributing author to Murder In Dealey Plaza: What We Know Now That We Didn’t Know Then. The proud father of three - Evan Rachel Wood, Ira David Wood IV, and Thomas Miller Wood. David and his wife Ashley remain proud to call North Carolina “home.”
Ira David Wood IV made his first appearance in A Christmas Carol in 1984 as a baby in his mother’s arms, later playing Tiny Tim in the show from 1989-1991. In 1993 Ira caught the eye of casting agents and landed a leading role in an ABC made for TV mini-series, becoming a member of the screen actors guild at age 8. After various film work as a child, Ira relocated to Los Angeles and began studying film acting at the prestigious “Shop” alongside classmates such as Kirsten Dunst and Freddie Prince Jr. to name a few. Ira remained in LA after being asked to teach at that same studio over the next three years. After various film and TV roles in Hollywood, including the MTV show Punk’d, Ira returned to Raleigh.
In the summer of 2009, Ira directed his Sister Evan Rachel Wood in the title role of Juliet at Theatre In The Park while also tackling the role of Mercutio in the same sold out production. Ira then played a leading role in the Tony award winning play The Lost Colony. Ira caught the attention of director Quentin Tarantino after auditioning for the movie Inglorious Bastards. Tarantino then asked for a meeting. Ira walked into the meeting pretending to scream expletives at Steven Spielberg on his cell phone before the meeting had even begun, sending Tarantino into hysterics, garnering more attention. Only a few days later Ira received a call that his father was going to have open heart surgery. Ira abandoned a budding career in Hollywood saying “LA will always be there. My father won’t…and they don’t have hush puppies anyway.”
He returned to Raleigh to perform the title role of Scrooge in place of his father that year and has remained in Raleigh. Playing title roles locally like Dracula, John Merrick in The Elephant Man, Austin in True West, Lt. Kendrick in A Few Good Men and Romeo at Koka Booth amphitheater. Ira won the Broadway World award for best supporting actor in 2019 for the production A Life in The Theatre. Ira is also an accomplished sketch comedy writer, learning from Kids In The Hall cast member Kevin McDonald. This year Ira stepped into the role of Artistic Director at Theatre In The Park, where he continues to act, write, and direct.