Shakespeare meets Dickens for ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Casa

By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 12, 2023.

Herald photo by Steffanie Costigan The cast of "A Christmas Carol" invite the community to come get into the Christmas spirit, as the Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society hosts their "Shakespeare Meets Dickens" event Thursday at Casa.

The local Shakespeare Performance Society is staging “Shakespeare Meets Dickens” this Thursday evening in the community room at Casa.

“We always do this pre-Christmas celebration, which consists of a whole series of exciting things. We do a performance of Dickens A Christmas Carol, a short performance, which only lasts half an hour, so it doesn’t drag on. It’s very lively. And then we have communal Christmas carols when the audience is always enjoys joining in with these and we will have carol sheets there,” said producer and president of Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society Kate Connolly during rehearsals Sunday.

Connolly said “Shakespeare Meets Dickens” is based on some music from shows such as “West Side Story” and ‘Kiss me, Kate.” She noted there are some talented actors in this year’s cast who were also in the recent performance of “The Secret Garden.”

“We have a very fine selection of singers this year, five of whom are drawn from the cast of ‘The Secret Garden,” which was on recently,” said Connolly.

Connolly said the cast is doing an excellent job and she feels the audience will enjoy the production.

“They are doing the most excellent job. And I’ve been enjoying their rehearsals so, so much. And I know that the audience is going to feel exactly the same way as I do about them,” said Connolly.

Connolly said included in the price of the tickets is a delicious treat for the audience to enjoy.

“On top of all this plethora of entertainment, we have included in the ticket price of $25 Christmas treats such as homemade mince pies, shortbread, Gingerbread, a candy bar, hot chocolate, and hot cider and eggnog.

There will also be a cash bar provided by Casa for people who want a glass of wine or beer, Connolly added.

There will be also a sneak peek of the upcoming society production in 2024.

“Everyone works pretty hard to put this whole event together every year,” Connolly said.

She noted the work Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society has done for many years, preforming in Galt Gardens and the positive impact the performances have had on the community.

“Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society has been presenting Shakespeare in the Park for the past 13 years. And we always draw people into the downtown. We’re supported by the City through the Reimagine Downtown grant because we help to draw people into the Galt Gardens. It’s open to all and welcoming to families. And I think the more positive and cheerful kind of events that go on in the downtown, the less antisocial behavior there will be,” said Connolly.

“I would just recommend that everyone come along to this wonderful, enjoyable pre-Christmas celebration, because I guarantee if you’re not there already, it will get you into the Christmas spirit for sure,” said Connolly of Thursday’s show.

The production starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the production are available for $25 per person and can be purchased at Casa’s reception desk or by calling 403-327-2272.

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