‘A christmas Carol'

By The Montana Standard Staff - 12/11/2008

Actress Tashia Gates, of Anaconda, holds the hand of actor Jared Brandon, while Don Furman, as Scrooge, is seen above, in a scene from "A Christmas Carol.''

ANACONDA — The Montana Actors' Theatre presents Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, and Tuesday, Dec. 16, in the Anaconda Elks Lodge.

Tickets are $8 for seniors and students, $12 for adults and $5 for children. People may purchase their tickets at the Anaconda Elks Lodge; at the door the nights of performances; or call 559-0733 to reserve them early. The show lasts one hour, 15 minutes.

The performance is adapted and directed by Grant Olson.

While retaining much of the original language, the performers enter into Dickens' eerie world of choking mists and restless spirits with a largely physical performance drawing on German Expression-ism of the late 19th and early 20th century, a news release said.

"A fun adaptation bound to draw gasps and chuckles from the entire family, and set the mood for a enjoyable Christmas season," the release said.

The ensemble is comprised of seven actors each playing a variety of different characters.

The cast includes Don Furman as Scrooge and Anaconda's Tashia Gates as Tiny Tim, Belle, young Scrooge and others. Other cast members are Michelle Edwards, Jared Brandon, Reid Reimers, Nathan McTauge and Kaila Lindsay.

The show also has performances planned in Missoula's Crystal Theatre Dec. 14 at 2 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 17-20 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 21 at 2 and 6 p.m. For tickets, call 945-2904 or purchase them at the door.