Natchez Little Theatre is proud to bring back for your holiday enjoyment for the 13th year its original holiday family musical, “A Natchez Christmas Carol,” Dec. 2–23. “A Natchez Christmas Carol” opened at the Natchez Little Theatre on Dec. 3, 2004, and was aired live from the Natchez Little Theatre on Mississippi Public Broadcasting  on Dec. 24, 2004.

‘The Washington Post’ reviewed productions of “A Christmas Carol” at 10 theatres across America in 2015. Natchez Little Theatre was one of the 10 and was the only volunteer community theatre as well as a charitable non-profit organization, the others were all professional theatres. ‘The Washington Post’ stated that NLT’s was “…the best and most uniquely American production” as it was adapted for the history of Natchez, changing many of Dickens’ English characters to historic figures from Natchez during 1869, during the Reconstruction Period following the American Civil War.

“A Natchez Christmas Carol” follows the Dickens tale that Jacob Marley died seven years ago and left his home and his half of the business to his partner, Ebenezer Scrooge, portrayed for the first time this year by NLT Award-winning musical actor Tyler Brown. Marley, played again this year by award-winning actor Wade Heatherly was a stingy old man, and Scrooge happily carries on the tradition. Scrooge is a hard, cold miser who spends his days counting his profits and wishing the world would leave him alone. He doesn’t believe in charity, and he is certain that those who do are just lazy bums looking for a handout.

Scrooge’s entire life is his Natchez cotton brokerage and bank, and he shuts out his nephew Fred, played by Tim Leak of Woodville, who is the only relative he has. Bob Cratchit, his loyal employee, played for the third year by NLT award-winning actor Terrence Robinson is a free man of color who supports his growing family on Scrooge’s meager wages.

Once prosperous Natchez planters and merchants are down on their luck after the War of Recent Unpleasantness and compete with carpet baggers and newly freed slaves for income. Scrooge has profited greatly by repossessing plantations and business alike, putting out war widows and orphans, and taking advantage of newly freed slaves.

But Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him that if he continues to live his life in such an unchristian way, he will spend all eternity trying to make up for it. Three more ghosts, all making their NLT debuts: Ginny Borum as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Derek Saxon as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Evan Sanders as the Ghost of Christmas Future, visit Scrooge and show him the errors of his ways. Because of what he sees and learns, Scrooge opens his heart to the people around him and learns charity, love and saves himself from the doom of which Marley warned him.

The remainder of the talented cast includes:  Anna Rodriguez, Maura Stump, April Benn, Courtney Fleming, Michael Ware, Emmanuel Day as Tiny Tim, Jasmine Jackson, Parker Claire Maxwell, Micah Riggs, Bradly Richardson, Addison Laird, Sara Davis, Joy Roland, Reiley Richardson, Maggie Waddill, Adair Carey, Zacary Richardson and Kaylee Richardson.

“A Natchez Christmas Carol” is enriched by beautiful 19th century costumes and Christmas Carols, including an original song “Bah, Humbug!” based on an old Spanish carol with lyrics by Layne Taylor, who directs the show with musical direction by Terrence Robinson.  The sets were designed by Layne with decorative painting by Jennifer Rosso and construction by Tyler Brown.

“A Natchez Christmas Carol” is the No. 1 Tourist Attraction during the month of December, bringing in church groups from all over the South, bus tours from across the country, international tourists as well as busloads of local area school children for student matinees. Don’t miss this Christmas tradition. “A “A Natchez Christmas Carol” runs Dec. 2-23  At 7:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday and every at 2 p.m. on Sundays at with only one Tuesday performance at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13.

All tickets are $15 for non-members/sponsors of Natchez Little Theatre and should be reserved by calling the theatre at 601-442-2233 or toll free at 877-440-2233. You may also acquire your tickets securely online at natcheztheatre.org and avoid the box office lines.

Come celebrate the holidays with your loved ones at “A Natchez Christmas Carol” at Natchez Little Theatre at 319 Linton Ave. at Maple Street as Natchez celebrates its 300th birthday!

Merry Christmas.
Layne Taylor is Natchez Little Theatre’s artistic and executive director and the author and director of “A Natchez Christmas Carol.”