Get in the spirit with Little Theatre

Published 12:14 am Saturday, December 10, 2011

Submitted photo The cast of “A Natchez Christmas Carol” at Natchez Little Theatre is from left, front row, Kristyn Merrit, Patricia Ware, Riana McLemore and Krystal Bowman; second row, Rebeka Merrit, Morgan Mizell, Lenifer Adams, Beverly Adams, Kaytlyn Walker and Rocheller Green; third row, Katie Borum, Lynn Mann, Lee Dellinger, Dwight Williams, Caleb Curtis as Tiny Tim, Don Vesterse as Scrooge, Bryan Carroll as Bob Cratchit, LeCourtney Harness, Michael Ware, Perraniqua Champ, Diamond Nicholson and Jordan Waller. Not pictured is Steen Williams.

NATCHEZ — Every historical tale — whether fact or fiction — can be traced back to Natchez, just ask Tiny Tim at the Natchez Little Theatre.

A cast of more than 20 local actors are re-telling the famous Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” with, what else, a Natchez twist.

In “A Natchez Christmas Carol” Bob Cratchit — played by Bryan Carroll — is a freed slave forced to work under the torment of Ebenezer Scrooge — played by Don Vesterse.

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The story is set in Natchez in 1869, with historical Natchez figures, period Christmas carols and costumes.

The Natchez tale models the plot line of the Dickens’ story.

Jacob Marley, who died on Christmas Eve seven years prior visits his business partner, Scrooge, from beyond the grave. Marley was a stingy old man, and Scrooge happily carries on the tradition. Scrooge doesn’t believe in charity, and he is certain that those who do are just lazy and looking for a handout.

Marley’s ghost — played by Dwight Williams — warns Scrooge to change his ways by taking him to visit three other ghosts — played by Katie Borum, Lee Dellinger and Lynn Mann

Scrooge learns his lesson and befriends a local family, the Cratchits, and their crippled son, Tiny Tim — played by Caleb Curtis.

The show includes many favorite Christmas carols and several experienced actors.

“A Natchez Christmas Carol” will run at 7:30 p.m. today, Dec. 13, 16, 17. Two Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. this weekend and Dec. 18. The Natchez Little Theatre is at 319 Linton Ave. at Maple Street in Natchez and all tickets are $15.