A Christmas Carol returns to Rosebud Theatre
By Laureen F. Guenther Times Contributor
Rosebud Theatre celebrates its return to live theatre by bringing back the classic Christmas story, A Christmas Carol, playing Nov. 15 – Dec. 23 in Rosebud’s Opera House.
The show features Nathan Schmidt as the streetwise storyteller, performing all of the characters in this one-man show. The set features long painted curtains depicting Victorian scenes and characters which, along with props like the storyteller’s hat, become Schmidt’s scene partners.
Although A Christmas Carol is returning to Rosebud Theatre for its second season, each season and every performance is new.
“Live theatre is amazing because it always can reflect the time we are in,” said Schmidt.
“Even two shows in the same week can be different and new. I am trying to stay open to the story, the world and the people that are in the theatre that day.”
“A story like A Christmas Carol endures because of all the connections it makes with people of all ages, at all times,” said Schmidt.
“Its appeal remains relevant because it is all about the dangers we experience all the time, our mortality and the good we might do … the love we might share.”
“The theatre is an amazing meeting place of hearts and minds. It is a place to reckon with and process our thoughts and feelings of life with others, to have a social experience that can unite us. I hope to offer what I can to a life-giving Christmas time.”
Under the Restrictions Exemption Program, all guests over the age of 12 must show proof of vaccine or the result of a negative COVID test that is taken within the prior 72 hours. Guests and staff will wear masks while indoors, except when seated and eating in the Mercantile.
This season, Rosebud School of the Arts (RSA) students will also offer an in-person Christmas production. “Christmastide: Music and Stories of the Coming Light is a collage of expressions that explores hope, peace, love and joy as a journey to Christmas,” said David Snider, the show’s director.
“Ten actors will also share humorous and full-hearted true stories and sing and play delightful arrangements of familiar and fresh songs of the season.” The show features “A Trucker’s Sacred Night”, a story by Rosebud’s Glenda Warkentin-Graham. Christmastide will be performed on Thu to Sat nights from Nov. 26 – Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. on the Studio Stage.
On Dec. 5 at 3 p.m., in Rosebud Church, RSA will also host a Christmas choir concert.
Tickets for A Christmas Carol may be purchased with or without a gourmet meal in the Mercantile. You may purchase tickets for either A Christmas Carol or Christmastide by calling Rosebud Theatre’s Box Office at 1-800-267-7553.