“It’s exciting to have this opportunity for ‘The Belsnickel Scrooge’ to come full circle with today’s presentation of ‘A Berks County Christmas Carol.’” “Michael and I are extremely grateful to Genesius Theatre for supporting us and kicking off our great adventure into writing musicals shows,” said Fecho. Now, Genesius Theatre’s upcoming production of “A Berks County Christmas Carol” – featuring historical and iconic figures of Berks County – takes place in present day downtown Reading and Scrooge travels back to his younger years in Berks County in the 1950s. Michael O’Flaherty as Ebenezer Scrooge with the “Did You Boscov” lip girls Dara Himes, Whitney Shurr and Sarah Althen, in Genesius Theatre’s original musical “A Berks County Christmas Carol.” (Photo courtesy of Don Carrick of Studio 413 and Zack Spadaccia) “It also was a sold-out hit, but unfortunately COVID reared its ugly head two months later and we only got to present the show for one season,” said Fecho. Frank Baum, who wrote “The Wizard of Oz” (Present) and Rod Serling of “The Twilight Zone” (Past). The historical figures were a mix of Syracuse local heroes: L. For “A Syracuse Christmas Carol,” the story was set in 1999, and Scrooge was shown his past life in the 1940s.įred Grandy of TVs “The Love Boat” fame played Scrooge.
In 2019, Hunter Foster, Genesius director, requested a customized show for the Redhouse Performing Arts Center in Syracuse, NY, where he was the artistic director. “At Goodspeed, Scrooge was played by Robert Cuccioli, Broadway’s original ‘Jekyll & Hyde,’ and the production ran for three-sold-out holiday seasons prior to COVID!” said Fecho. Barnum (Present), and Mark Twain (Future). P Morgan (Jacob Marley), Benedict Arnold (Past), P. The historical spirits in that production were J. “Those historical figures created the very foundation for the ghosts that visit Scrooge on that fateful Christmas Eve.” Barnum and Mark Twain not only lived in Central Connecticut at one time, but knew each other and were also friendly with William Gillette. Many of the versions I found had already been presented several times in the Reading area, and, to be honest, we were looking for something where we wouldn’t have to pay royalties,” said Fecho.Īfter extensive research, Fecho discovered that the great showman P.T. “I had been the artistic director at Genesius Theatre for over a decade, and I was looking for an annual production of A Christmas Carol. The show has roots in their first adaption, “The Belsnickel Scrooge,” written as a Pennsylvania Dutch version of “A Christmas Carol” set in Reading during the Great Depression. (Photo courtesy of Don Carrick of Studio 413 and Zack Spadaccia) Michael O’Flaherty as Ebenezer Scrooge tells the story of Santa’s evil henchman, Krampus (background portrayed by Jonathan Erkert), as Tim Cratchit, portrayed by Harrison Brumbaugh, and Kathy Cratchit, portrayed by Ellen Rochlin, let their imaginations run wild. Genesius co-founder Michael O’Flaherty, a Broadway and regional music director, composed the music and lyrics. “A Berks County Christmas Carol” – set in present day Reading and Berks County – was written and adapted by Genesius artistic director L J Fecho.
Genesius Theatre presents an original musical based on the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol” for 10 performances Dec. Written by Brent DiCrescenzo, Christopher Tarantino, Andy Kryza, Adam Feldman, Kate Wertheimer, Andrew Frisicano, Sophie Harris, Carla Sosenko and Nick Leftley.Genesius Theatre presents A Berks County Christmas Carol Close Menu we didn't just put ‘Thriller’ on the list 30 times, though you'd be forgiven for doing just that.) And for younger crowds, check out our list of Halloween songs for kids. We promise, the list is all ‘Thriller’, no filler (not really. These songs are guaranteed to get you moving, whether you're braving the horrors of an indoor gathering or perfectly content to gorge on fun-sized candy in the comfort of your own home. As such, we've scoured the catacombs of our favorite streamers and blown the cobwebs off our Jewel cases to compile the ultimate Halloween music soundtrack.
Along with a great costume and a queue loaded with solid horror movies, a playlist of the best Halloween songs is essential to the success of any Halloween celebration.