Longview School students are getting into the holiday spirit with their upcoming production of a Christmas classic.
The school is gearing up to perform an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Thursday evening (Dec. 22). This version by Kathryn Schultz Miller follows the traditional story, but features storytellers, narrators and carols throughout. Longview principal Caroline Roberts said this adaptation is easier for children to perform.
All 74 students will perform in the play and each student in Grades 1 to 6 will have a speaking part. As with all the school’s productions, students also share roles.
“What’s really important to us is that everyone has an opportunity to have a speaking part and to be involved and engaged in that activity,” explained Roberts.
Students perform musical numbers and create the sets, she said.
“We have a really strong fine arts program here at Longview and the kids very much enjoy it and so does our community.”
Students were able to pick their roles in the play and Roberts said surprisingly it worked out well.
Grade 6 student Ashley Nelson decided to play Scrooge because she liked the character and said it is fun to play a villain.
“It’s kind of hard because it’s a different personality,” she said, but added it gives her the chance to work on her acting skills.
The most fun part of the play for Ashley is when she is frightened and woken up in the middle of the night.
“I go to sleep and then I hear these sounds of bells and then it turns to chains rattling so then I wake up and (someone) comes out of the picture frame,” she explained.
Jacob Marley, played by Hope Roberts, is the one who frightens Scrooge. The Grade 6 student said this is her favourite scene as well and she wanted to play this character because she wanted to act like a ghost.
“It’s fun because I get to rattle the chains,” she explained.
Hope, who said she enjoys performing, had many lines to learn, which she said was difficult at first, but easy once she memorized them.
“When you’re in front of a lot of people it’s a little bit nerve-wracking, but then you’ve got to pretend they’re not there.”
Jace Bews admitted she is a little nervous, but excited to perform for an audience. The Grade 5 student plays Charles Dickens and said she enjoys taking on larger roles and it was not too difficult to play a male character.
“It’s fun just to pretend to be someone else other than you and try someone else’s personality,” she said.
As part of her costume, Jace wears a beard, cape, hat and a painted-on moustache. Her favourite part of the play is when she fights with the storytellers, insisting it is her show.
Roberts said a lot of work has gone into rehearsals and students are looking forward to performing. She said the project helps to bring the student body together and encourages school pride and team building.
“The overall goal of drama presentation is to foster a positive self-concept and explore theatric roles and just acquire those dramatic and presentation skills. So we really encourage that.”
The production runs Thursday, Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Longview School. There is no admission fee.
