A Southern Christmas Carol

An interesting twist on an American Classic

Last month, I had the pleasure of taking in one of the BEST original works that I have seen in a long, long time. As most of you know I REALLY LOVE  original works.  Well, “A Southern Christmas Carol” by Rob Lauer did not disappoint. With music arrangements by      Jeff Joyner, I was thrilled to see a fresh take on this “Dickens” of a tale. 

Set in rural, southwest, depression-era Georgia during December 1933, (yeah, I had the same question mark over my head too) this version of the classic examines themes and scenes from the original novel that have never been dramatized before. Mr. Lauer explains (in the program) that in 1983 he read the entire Dickens novel  for the first time and realized that he   didn’t  know the story like he thought he did. He also wanted to translate themes from the story into “languages and situations that are familiar to most Americans”.  And translate they did.

Presented at the Denbigh Presbyterian Church in Newport News, I was impressed by both the beauty of the church itself and how I actually felt like I was at an actual theatrical event while sitting in the pew of a church. 

The Directors of this show utilized the space expertly and efficiently making the event more intimate than your standard “on stage” production.  

With a cast of fifteen and a choir of nineteen, this show was truly music to my ears. 

Some stand out numbers for me were: “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” featuring Charity Robinson, Ron Milovac & Cast “Satan’s Having Company for Christmas” featuring Ron Milovac, Sebastian Velilla & Bill Martin and my absolute favorite of the evening: “Scavenger Crow” featuring Randi Greene, Eileen Engel & Christy Spivey. I know, these don’t sound like your typical Christmas Carols huh? Well that’s a good thing  - a very good thing.

My only regret is that this production didn’t have a longer run so that more of the community could have enjoyed it.

Here’s the part where I start working on making Santa’s “good girl” list, so that this show can come back next year for all of Hampton Roads to    enjoy!

Mark Your Calendars !!!

Here's what's playing on the peninsula ...

ARSENIC & OLD LACE

by Joseph Kesslering

January 14 - February 6, 2010

WILLIAMSBURG PLAYERS

200  Hubbard Ln

Williamsburg, VA 23608

(757) 229-0431

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS    

by

Joe DePietro

January 29  - February 7, 2010

POQUOSON ISLAND PLAYERS

Thomas Nelson Community   College -  MCA

99 Templin Hall

Hampton, VA 23666

(757) 881-9797

CAUGHT IN THE NET              

 by

 Doobie Potter

February 18—March 7, 2010

SMITHFIELD LITTLE THEATER

210 N. Church Street

Smithfield, VA 23430

(757) 357-7338

SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ     

by Lieber and Stoeller

February 26—March 20, 2010

PENINSULA COMMUNITY  THEATER

10251 Warwick Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23601
(757) 595-5PCT(5728)

The Public Speaking Contest Awards Youth with Cash for “speaking their piece”

(Lauren Davis and judges score participants at the last Public Speaking Contest) 

Getting people excited about Public Speaking has been a difficult task for Lauren Davis over the last three years. But, she pushes on. The Public Speaking Contest is designed to motivate young people throughout the seven cities to challenge the fear of sharing thoughts and ideas in a public setting.

Quarterly, participants aged 13-19 give speeches on prepared topics to an audience of their parents, peers and a panel of judges. Afterward each contestant is given positive and constructive feedback from the judges, the moderator, and sometimes the audience. At the end of the speeches, the judges tall the scores and a winner is announced.

Each preliminary contest winner gets a cash prize of $150. Those winners are then invited to participate in the quarterly finale for a chance to win the grand prize of $1000.

Founded by Lauren Davis, a transplant to the Hampton Roads community from central New Jersey,  Lauren contends that she will, “continue to get the Hampton Roads community excited about Public Speaking”.

Currently she is looking for passionate professionals that are willing to dedicate their time and energy into developing a 2010 plan for the The Public Speaking Contest.  If you are interested in being part of the this dynamic contest you can email Lauren at info@thepublicspeakingcontest.com

If you, or someone you know, aged 13 –19 would like to compete in the contest please visit www.thepublicspeakingcontest.com

For dates, locations, and registration information.