MOUNT VERNON – The Winter Sanctuary and Community Family Players will present Charles Dickens’ classic story, “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 2-5 at The Woodward Opera House in downtown Mount Vernon. Proceeds will benefit The Winter Sanctuary homeless shelter.
The Winter Sanctuary is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide a seasonal emergency shelter for the members of tyhe community who experience homelessness. The Sanctuary helps connect guests with resources that empower them to be successful and self-sufficient. The shelter provides warm, clean, well-maintained and secure facilities for men and women who have had to camp in the open, sleep in cars, or stay with friends or relatives.
“The play ‘A Christmas Carol’ exemplifies Winter Sanctuary’s mission: to provide help to the poor and homeless; to advocate for them. Also, Dickens’ play is a story of redemption, as Ebenezar Scrooge changes from a miser to a helper. We all need this lesson as we go through life. Persons are more important than money,” said Winter Sanctuary board president David Perry. “We are humbled by our sponsors’ attitude and giving spirit, as well as the community’s support in helping us by attending the event. And, the show is fantastic – professional and entertaining. It is a great way to celebrate Christmas.”
“A Christmas Carol” was first presented in 2019 to benefit the Winter Sanctuary with the hope to make this an annual tradition in Knox County. COVID-19 prevented performances from taking place in 2020, but the director, actors and crew are now hard at work making the play a reality for this year. The story has been adapted for the stage by the Rev. Scott Elliott of Mount Vernon’s First Congregational United Church of Christ.
“What a privilege working on this year’s production has been. I was able to spend many hours on my sabbatical creating a new script, and I've spent the last few weeks rehearsing with an exceptional cast of very talented adults and youth. The crew has also been hard at work and we expect the show to be extra special this year when it opens on the wonderful Woodward Opera House stage,” said director Scott Elliott. “There will be carolers interspersed with Dickens’ marvelous words and all the great acting. And so many folks have already helped sponsor the show to help raise money for the Winter Sanctuary, we can feel the Christmas Spirit already moving in the community.”
Tickets for the show are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65+ and $10 for students of all ages, and are available at www.thewoodward.org or at the door. Performance times are 7 p.m. on Dec. 2-4, with a special gala preceding the Saturday, Dec. 4, show, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 5. Gala tickets are $100 and include the show, an hors d’ouevre reception and one drink ticket. All proceeds support the Winter Sanctuary; learn more at www.wintersanctuary.com. Questions? Call 740-462-4278.
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