Top hats, bow ties, satin, and lace are eagerly put on as giggles and excited talking envelope the cozy backstage. All of a sudden, “Places!” rings out and the 27 actors get to work. The last dress rehearsal of Silvermoon Children’s Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol is about to begin.
The story is a classic, a tried and true Christmas staple. And the two ladies in charge at Silvermoon Children’s Theatre, Susannah Linnett and Meredith Farren, have decided to tackle it head on with a very period adaptation of the Charles Dickens story.
“This is one of my favorite Christmas stories,” Susannah Linnett, Executive Director of the Children’s Theatre said. “It’s important for children to see and fall in love with the classics so they can learn the history we have come from and this version will bring children of all ages back to Victorian times for this beautiful look at old Ebenezer Scrooge and his amazing transformation.”
It just so happens that Silvermoon proprietor, Mr Josh Morriss, III is playing Scrooge. “He was just perfect for the role and we wanted the children to be able to see this seasoned actor in this classic role,” explained Meredith Farren, the Company Manager of the theatre. This lines up with the theatre’s mission statement of “Life Training in Disguise.”
Morriss is the only adult in the cast of characters, but doesn’t miss a beat with the kids. Yes, this is a children’s theatre, but don’t let that fool you. Linnett and Farren run a tight ship and expect great things from their cast that ranges in age from seven years old to 67.
This is the ninth main stage play the Silvermoon has produced and the end of their fourth season. The show will begin for the public on Thursday, November 16 at 7:30pm at the Silvermoon on Broad in downtown Texarkana and run the weekend. The other performances will be Friday, November 17 at 7:30pm, Saturday, November 18 at 2pm & 7:30pm and Sunday November 19 at 2pm and 5pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.silvermoonkids.com or, if there are any available, at the door.
