CBU theatre program brings Charles Dickens’ holiday classic to Wallace Theatre

Riverside, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2017) – The theatre arts program at California Baptist University is bringing a classic to the Wallace Theatre in time for the holidays—Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol.”

CBU will present the tale, adapted for the stage by Karen Louise Hebden, of the bitter miser Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits who visit him one Christmas Eve to remind him that it is never too late to change. Filled with lively music, colorful characters, ghostly effects, Victorian splendor and one brave little boy, the heartwarming tale of good will and hope reminds people of the true spirit of the Christmas season.

“These characters are just so wonderful, so bigger than life,” said Lee Lyons, professor of theatre and the play’s director.

Lyons said he read many adaptations of the novel before choosing one by Hebden, a British playwright.

“The author wove Christmas carols into ‘Christmas Carol.’ She takes us to the moments where Scrooge makes the mistakes that caused him to be the man that he is,” Lyons said. “The humanity comes through this production.”

Lyons said there are many wonderful themes woven into the play, including family, giving and community.

“I hope this play moves people. These are living characters that we begin to care about,” Lyons said.

Alexis Safoyan, a public relations junior, plays Mrs. Dilber and the Ghost of Christmas Past. Safoyan said she felt honored to present one of the most famous holiday shows.
“We hope to do the story justice and I believe that we do in this production,” Safoyan said. “We hope that the audience understands and is affected by the message of the story.”
Mario Adurias, a theatre arts junior, who plays Bob Cratchit, said he hopes the message of the story resonates with the audience.

“It is never too late to change wayward and cruel ways,” Adurias said. “There is redemption for Scrooge, there is grace. God is gracious to us in our all mistakes.”

For the first time, CBU will hold performances before and after Thanksgiving. Lyons said the theatre department decided to have shows in December, since the story is Christmas related.

“This can be a Christmas present,” Lyons said. “You can come and have some joy and have a great time and can kick-off your Christmas season.”

When: Nov. 17-18, Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 18, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.
Where: Wallace Theatre, California Baptist University, 8432 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA, 92504
Tickets or questions? Call the theatre box office at 951- 343-4319 or email: mhyde@calbaptist.edu.