For the past three months, 30 eager young thespians have been preparing a special holiday treat for Island audiences.
And this weekend, they’ll take to the Blue Heron stage to perform a show with a timeless message — “Ebenezer! A Rock Musical.”
The show, which is a production of Vashon Island Youth Chorus, is a musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, “A Christmas Carol,” and it features all the familiar characters, including Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future.
But in a twist, the show also incorporates a wide variety of musical numbers, from Broadway-style tunes to rocking songs and even a rap by a posse of pint-sized Christmas ghosts.
Audience members will raise their voices, too, joining the cast in a segment of traditional carols.
Marita Ericksen, who is directing the show, said she’s had a great time rehearsing with the young cast.
Isaac Hughes plays the curmudgeonly title role, joined by a cast whose members range in age from 6 to 14.
“We’re ready,” she said as she finished a rehearsal with Chris Overstreet, who will provide piano accompaniment for the show.
Ericksen said she selected “Ebenezer” because of its message.
“It’s a musical about generosity and redemption,” she explained.
Ericksen also said the generosity of Islanders has helped pave the way for the show’s success.
She credits Drama Dock for sharing its set for “Inspecting Carol” with her production, and she added she was especially grateful to Lieschan Lopuszynski, who volunteered to costume the young cast in high Dickensian style.
Rich Wiley has served as a dialect coach, and Abby Enson has helped with choreography.
Two other Islanders, Shannon Flora and Michelle Crawford, are serving as parent assistants.
“I’m a happy girl,” said Ericksen. “My hat is off to all these people.”
“Ebenezer!” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, and 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Blue Heron Art Center. Tickets are $6 for ages 12 and younger and $8 to $10 for adults, and are on sale at Heron’s Nest, Blue Heron, Books by the Way and by phone at 463-5131.
