‘Tis the Season of Bah Humbug
Vanessa Ann Richelle Anderson, Staff Reporter
vanderson@csumb.edu
Christmas time brings great fun and good cheer to many, but there is always that one character who refuses to join in the holiday spirit. The immortal Charles Dickens named him Ebenezer Scrooge, a dour old man whose outward greediness and cruelty affected every aspect of his life. The author’s legendary phrase, “Bah humbug” was introduced in his classic story, “A Christmas Carol.” From recharacterizing Ebenezer Scrooge and his foil, Tiny Tim, to rewriting the storyline, over the years many variations of Dickens’ renowned story have been made into movies, cartoons and stage productions; plus, on occasion, Christmas carolers sing themed songs and dress in period costume. This year, CSU Monterey Bay’s (CSUMB) World Theater will produce the popular story as a live radio drama.
Radio productions are, by design, portrayed through actors’ voices via radio airwaves. However, The World Theater will produce this live radio drama on stage. The classic tale will be presented in a visual context with sound effects, music and multi-media elements. Additionally, the actors will be transforming into various characters instantly on stage. “The uniqueness of this radio drama is that we are able to have two audiences; one live at the theater and the other broadcast over the radio (KAZU) on Christmas Eve,” said World Theater director Joseph S. Cardinalli. “That’s what makes this production fun and exciting.”
“A Christmas Carol” will feature Paul Myrvold, an equity actor, who has performed on Broadway and toured professionally, as protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge. Cardinalli calls him “the ultimate professional, who is bringing all his skills to the play.” The rest of the cast includes Donna Federico, Chris Graham, Phil Esparza, a World Theater staff member; Matt Bailey, Christina Bailey and Michelle Vallentyne, a former CSUMB student. “They are local, homegrown actors,” said Cardinalli. Music will be provided by The Big American Family, a local band comprised of former CSUMB students. They will play period music appropriate to the production. Other sound effects will be provided by the Live Foley Artists, a group that creates live sound effects on stage.
“We are putting together a holiday tradition,” said Cardinalli; “What we like to think of as our annual gift to the entire community.” The Show will be held on Dec. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Currently there is a special buy-one, get-one-free offer on tickets (certain restrictions apply), plus pre-show dining at the Otter Bay Café, which will present a special dinner each night of this radio drama. Additional information is available through the World Theater box office at www.worldtheater.csumb.edu. Whether it’s “Bah Humbug” or “Happy Holidays” this production reminds CSUMB that the holidays are here.
Call: (831)582-4580
$40 Gold Circle
$30 General Public
$25 Senior Citizens (55 and older), Fort Ord Alumni Association, Military
$20 CSUMB Faculty, Staff, Alumni
$15 Student with ID, Young Adult
(Ages 13-17)
$10 CSUMB Student, Child (12 and Under)
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