Emporia State University Theatre’s second annual radio drama performance of “A Christmas Carol,” the timeless classic by Charles Dickens, on December 2 at 7:30 pm in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre. The performance will be streamed online, but it can also be watched live in the theatre. A suggested donation of $5 can be made at the door for the live performance; donations will go toward theatre scholarships. In addition to the livestream on the Emporia State University website, the production will also be broadcast on KVOE Radio.
The production is under the direction of Bob Hart. Hart is excited for the process of directing a story that will be broadcast across multiple media.
“We’re thrilled to be performing this in front of a live audience, both in the auditorium and on the web, as well as having it recorded for later broadcast by KVOE. We’re trying to make it very difficult for anyone to miss it!” Hart said.
This will be the second radio performance presented by the ESU Theatre Department. Last year, ESU Theatre held its first performance of the show, which was adapted by former ESU Professor Dan Matisa.
Performers from ESU’s faculty include Hart as Scrooge, Jim Bartruff as the narrator, Lindy Bartruff as the ghost of Christmas Past, and Chris Lohkamp as the ghost of Christmas Present. Student cast members include Barry McAnulty (Bronson), Ryan Howerton (Haysville), Drew Noss (Mound Valley), Elizabeth Higbee (Tonganoxie), Roman Haen (Lee’s Summit, Missouri), Dustin Bittel (Ellis), Alayne Weber (Topeka), Alec Wahlberg (Olathe), Fran Opheim Olathe), Mollie McClanahan (Topeka), Ryan Wollum (Lenexa), Justin Scheck (Gardner), Paige Lundin (Wichita), Erin Dublin (Olathe), Tad Gilbert (Andover), Andrew Ralston (Topeka), Evan Grantham (Girard), Ben Johnson (Wichita), and Heather Kropf (Westphalia).
Students on the production staff include Tyler Lang as Stage Manager, and Matthew Mahr and Abbi Timmermery as Foley Artists. Before the program goes live there will be a Christmas carol sing-along. People of all ages are encouraged to listen on-air or to attend the live performance on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall.