The Cowichan Musical Society and Friends have been working like the dickens to prepare for their two upcoming performances of the spirited Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol which will grace the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre stage with a lively interpretation involving dramatic readings, choral as well as solo music and dance.
CMS director Gregg Perry says that he has produced the Dickens Christmas classic on three other separate occasions as a fundraiser for Friends of the Cowichan Theatre — an organization that used to provide support for capital purchases for the theatre but has now dissolved.
"It was part of CBC's public relations program whereby its notable radio personalities would take part in local readings," said Perry. "Like the current show, it was a blend of dramatic reading, vocalists providing memorable Christmas music, and a multimedia presentation supporting the readers. This new show also includes some of the best senior dancers from three of our best dance studios. I have recreated the script so that it provides more interaction in a staged dramatic reading. It is the voice giving life to Dickens' inspired words that makes this such a compelling presentation."
All proceeds from the society's two performance of A Christmas Carol will go to the Cowichan Performing Arts Foundation to to provide funds to support local young people who wish to train in the performing arts. The foundation provides bursaries for families who want to support their children in performing arts lessons whether that be music, dance or drama but have difficulty including the lessons in their budget. Since 2017, CMS has had the pleasure of being able to give more than $125,000 in support to families in the Cowichan Valley.
"Performing arts education offers numerous benefits for youth, fostering creativity, self-expression, and confidence," said Perry. "Through participation in activities such as drama, music, and dance, young individuals develop essential life skills, including communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Engaging in the performing arts also enhances emotional intelligence, helping youth to better understand and express their own emotions as well as empathize with others."
Perry noted that a performing arts education can also improve academic performance by encouraging discipline, focus, and perseverance as it provides a holistic approach to personal and social development while preparing youth for success in various aspects of their lives.
Fans of this timeless tale will want to carve out some time in their own daily lives for either the 6:30 p.m. show on Dec. 20, or the 2 p.m. matinee on Dec. 21. Regular priced tickets are $39, or $29 for children and can be purchased in-person in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre, online at cowichanpac.ca or by calling the ticket centre at 250-746-2722.
Miss your chance, and you might just be uttering 'Bah Humbug'!
"For me, Scrooge is as much a part of Christmas as Santa Claus and I am moved each time I read the story or watch the classic Alastair Sim movie," said Perry. "It is a reminder that we can intervene to make a difference in others' lives and that we should be open to the influence of friendly spirits that call us to be more fully human ourselves."