Dolly and Dickens come together for the Holidays as Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol returns to The Arts Club Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, until Christmas Eve.
The story is familiar, but this adaptation refreshes the tale and delivers a renewed sense of community, redemption and emotions. Dolly Parton’s songwriting style echoes throughout the production bringing a “Down Home Country Christmas” to the narrative. Even though you can feel her voice in the songs, in this case it’s not Dolly singing but a stellar ensemble. Lead by Scott Bellis as Scrooge, and Elena Barnes & Nora Cowan as Tiny Tim, playing all of the other parts within the play the remaining cast members (with standbys) include: Cassandra Consiglio, Andrew Cownden, Nick Fontaine, Charlie Gallant, Jocelyn Gauthier, Krystal Kiran, Antony Knight, Vuk Prodanovic, Micheal Querin, Chelsea Rose Winsby,Vicente Sandoval, Madeleine Suddaby, Andrew Wheeler.
Adapted by Paul T. Couch, Curt Wollan and David H. Bell who also wrote the book, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, the timeless classic story moves from Victorian London to Dolly’s beloved Smoky Mountains of Tennessee during the ‘big storm of 1936’. With original direction by Bobby Garcia, and Stephen Drover Remount Director, Set Designer Shizuka Kai makes a stripped-down depression-era barn the heart of the community and a musical with a lot of heart. Costumer Designer Carmen Alatorre has updated the thread-bare rags of Dickens’ London to well-worn garments of Dolly’s Tennessee.
Bringing Dolly’s music to life is a live band lead by Musical Director Ken Cormier on Keyboard along with Associate Musical Director Angus Kellet includes, Martin Fisk (Percussion), Kathleen Nisbet (Fiddle), Jay Leonard Juatco (Guitar), Monica Sumulong Dumas (Bass), Shaun Verreault (Banjo/Mandolin/Dobro). Putting the music in motion, Choreographer Julio Fuentes helps the cast kick up their heals throughout the show, and Rick Calhoun’s sound design bringing it all together.
Getting the Holiday entertainment season off to a rollicking start The Arts Club’s Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol is a feel-good hootenanny, that will leave you dreaming of an “Appalachian Snowfall”. On stage until December 24th, visit artsclub.com for showtimes and tickets.